The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has emphasized the need for collaboration between the governors of the nine oil-producing states and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to drive sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. Speaking at the 2026 NDDC Partners for Sustainable Development (PSD) conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Uzodimma's deputy, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, represented him. The governor's call for partnership aims to bring hope to the people of Imo State and the Niger Delta region through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, announced that the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge, linking Khana Local Government Area to Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, will be named after President Tinubu. Ogbuku highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement, a key aspect of the Renewed Hope Agenda, to ensure that government projects and activities are well understood by the people, creating room for synergy. He stressed that building trust with all partners is crucial to secure their buy-in and confidence.
Dr Ogbuku noted that the NDDC has established processes to ensure a new institutional culture, anchored in sound ethics and good corporate governance, is in place. The Commission has a duty to harness resources from stakeholders and has gathered at the conference to interact with them and rub minds, recognizing that they cannot plan programmes for the region without involving stakeholders at the foundational level. This approach aligns with Tinubu's policy of carrying stakeholders along and delivering legacy projects in the Niger Delta.
The NDDC Managing Director disclosed that KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, has reviewed the Commission's processes, resulting in a robust Corporate Governance structure that fosters accountability and transparency. This structure is backed by a clear and measurable set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress toward goals. The emphasis on collaboration aims to foster partnerships, leverage collective strengths, overcome challenges, and avoid working at cross-purposes.
Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, stated that the Commission has adopted a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Governance Advisory Policies, approved by the Board. These policies constitute the Commission's Rule Book and strictly guide all processes and operations within the Commission. The adoption of these policies is expected to enhance the Commission's operations and ensure transparency.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, assured that the Senate Committee would continue to strengthen oversight to ensure transparency, efficiency, and timely delivery of projects across the region. The Committee's efforts aim to ensure that the NDDC is accountable and effective in its operations. Senator Ekpenyong's statement demonstrates the Senate's commitment to supporting the NDDC's mission.
The conference, attended by stakeholders and partners, provided a platform for the NDDC to engage with its stakeholders and discuss ways to drive development in the Niger Delta region. The NDDC's efforts to foster partnerships and collaborations are expected to yield positive results, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the region. The Commission's initiatives aim to address the region's challenges and improve the lives of its people.
Key points
- Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, calls for partnership between oil-producing states and NDDC.
- NDDC adopts new Standard Operating Procedure and Governance Advisory Policies.
- Senate Committee on NDDC to strengthen oversight for transparency and efficiency.
