October 17, (THEWILL) – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and United Arab Emirates (UAE), have agreed to set up a joint committee to develop a partnership framework to support development projects and programmes in the Niger Delta region.
This followed a meeting between the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Al-Shamsi and a delegation from the NDDC, led by the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, at the UAE Embassy in Abuja.
A statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs, said the NDDC team included the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde and other Directors of the Commission.
Giving his commitment to collaborate with the NDDC on Information Communication Technology, ICT, education, health, agriculture and youth development, Al-Shamsi endorsed the suggestion for a joint team to develop areas of collaboration between the UAE and the Commission.
The UAE envoy who commended the NDDC for its development initiatives, said his country was willing to collaborate and support the Commission in executing more development projects.
“We are happy with this visit and the opportunity it has given us to explore areas of cooperation and support. We appreciate the robust relationship between UAE and Nigeria”, Al-Shamsi said.
The Ambassador expressed satisfaction that his country had normalised its relationship with Nigeria, stating that the national carrier of the UAE, Emirates Airline, had resumed operations between Lagos and Dubai.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer briefed the Ambassador and his team on what the Commission was doing and the achievements it had recorded so far. He specifically asked for collaboration in NDDC Health intervention in the Niger Delta, urging the UAE to assist in equipping the Commission’s Regional Specialist Cardiovascular and Orthopedic Hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“As part of our commitment to expanding the frontier of the NDDC’s Public Private Partnership, PPP, I welcome the opportunity to meet with UAE officials to foster collaboration in health, education, as well as oil and gas”, Ogbuku added.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
