The NDDC new board and the task of self invention as an effective change agent

BY CHINDA OWHINDAH

On Wednesday, December 4, 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari, through the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, inaugurated the 7th Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with a charge on them to do things differently.

The NDDC without a board since February 2019 has been enmeshed in controversies that have distracted from its objectives of uplifting the fortunes of the Country’s oil producing States. Though set up with high hopes, the NDDC has often been in the news for the wrong reasons. Frequent scandals, squabbling among stakeholders and inefficiencies have raised questions on its continued relevance. These have diverted attention from the extensive range of projects the NDDC has ventured into while external influence has slowed the Commission down.

It was therefore heart-warming when members of the new board converged in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital for a 4-day management retreat that commenced on Thursday 19th to Sunday, January 22nd, 2023. The retreat had as its theme “Repositioning NDDC for Effective Service Delivery”.

While declaring the NDDC Board and Management Retreat open at Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resort in Uyo, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, charged the Governing Board of the Commission to establish a template for its effective take off. He said this would help the Commission to make a positive impact on the lives of the people of the Niger Delta region.

In strengthening the Minister’s position, it is very pertinent to avert the minds of members of the board to the fact that the NDDC was established in year 2000 following restiveness accompanying the demand for resource control. It was envisaged as an interventionist vehicle to provide infrastructure, training and education in the Niger Delta region and other Oil States. On the website of the NDDC, its mission is: “To offer a lasting solution to the socio-economic difficulties of Niger Delta region and facilitate the rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, and ecologically regenerative”.

Quite cheering, therefore, is the determination of the Hon Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and the new Board to ensure that the Commission is repositioned into an effective change agent. The board’s determination was conveyed in a Communique issued at the end of the Board and Management retreat at Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo.

The Communique hinted that the NDDC Board and Management will henceforth focus on prioritizing key sectors that would have huge impact on the standard of living of the people of the Niger Delta; infrastructure, education, health and agriculture.

It also promised to pay particular attention to the security of lives and property, and the protection of the poor and weak in the society.

“The NDDC should consider implementing legacy projects that have the potential to benefit the people of the region, reduce poverty and improve the conditions of living of the people”.
“That the NDDC in its determination to take the Region to greater heights shall engage in Public Private Partnership arrangements with State Governments, International Oil Companies (IOCs) as well as International Donor Agencies with a view to executing mega projects for the Region”, the Communique read in part.

Now that the NDDC through its New Board has embarked on a journey of self-invention as a catalyst for the development of the Niger Delta, empowerment of the teaming youth population through skills acquisition, it is expected that all Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region would rally support for the board and management of the Commission to actualise the Commission’s mandate.