The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) recently paid tribute to the late Chief Albert Korubo Horsfall, a pioneer of federal intervention in the Niger Delta and former Chairman of the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC). The tribute was paid on Thursday, September 24, 2026, when the NDDC Board and Management gathered at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt to sign the condolence register in honour of the late elder statesman. Horsfall played a prominent role in Nigeria's security and intelligence services before his appointment to lead OMPADEC.
Horsfall, a former police officer and pioneer member of the National Security Organisation (NSO), served as the pioneer Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and later as the second Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), now the Department of State Services (DSS). His appointment as pioneer Chairman of OMPADEC placed him at the centre of the Federal Government's early efforts to address the developmental challenges of oil-producing communities. OMPADEC was established in 1992 before it was replaced by the NDDC under the NDDC Act of 2000.
According to a tribute by former NDDC Director, Project Monitoring and Supervision, Dr. (Engr.) Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua, FNSE, Horsfall's contribution went beyond his tenure at OMPADEC, describing him as a foundational figure in the institutional evolution of Niger Delta development. Audu-Ohwavborua recalled that Horsfall laid the foundation stone of the NDDC headquarters building in 1995, adding that the abandoned project was later revived and re-awarded for completion in 2017.
The NDDC headquarters building achieved practical completion in 2019. The decision to honour Horsfall at the Commission's headquarters was significant because the building represented part of the institutional continuum that began with the intervention framework pioneered under OMPADEC. Former NDDC Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers, including Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, Obong Nsima Ekere, Mrs. Iyasere Osato, Dr. Christy Atako, Mrs. Ibim Seminitari, Dr. Christian Oboh and Dr. Enyia Akwaggaga, also joined the ceremony.
Horsfall was also remembered for his traditional and regional leadership roles. He was a prominent figure in the Kalabari Kingdom, held the Omekwe Paramountcy and served as a founding member of the Board of Trustees of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). Audu-Ohwavborua commended the NDDC Chairman, Chiedu Ebie, and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, for honouring the late pioneer.
The NDDC's remembrance of its institutional forebears was important to preserving the history of Niger Delta development, according to Audu-Ohwavborua. He said Horsfall's legacy would endure in Nigeria's intelligence community, the history of OMPADEC, the evolution of the NDDC and the broader Niger Delta development story. The Commission's tribute to Horsfall was a testament to his contributions to the region.
The late Chief Albert Korubo Horsfall was honoured by the NDDC on September 24, 2026, in recognition of his pioneering role in Niger Delta development. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of leaders and public servants. The NDDC's tribute to Horsfall will help keep his memory and contributions alive.
Key points
- NDDC pays tribute to late Chief Albert Korubo Horsfall
- Horsfall was a pioneer of federal intervention in Niger Delta
- NDDC headquarters building was laid by Horsfall in 1995
