By our correspondent
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has approved a new stakeholder-driven Regional Development Master Plan to replace the previous 15-year plan, which expired in 2020.
The decision, as noticed by WorldClass247News, was among the key resolutions reached at the 2025 Board and Management Strategic Retreat held in Ikeja, Lagos.
In a communique signed by the Chairman of the Commission’s Governing Board, Chiedu Ebie, and the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the board highlighted the need for better integration between the Commission and Member States to ensure that projects are aligned with regional needs.
It emphasized the activation and strengthening of the Niger Delta Development Advisory Committee, which comprises governors of the nine Niger Delta states, to fulfill its statutory role in the Commission’s development efforts.
To ensure sustainability, the communique stressed the importance of engaging stakeholders, including beneficiary communities, from project inception to implementation.
The approach, as stated in the communique, aims to secure local support and commitment beyond project commissioning.
The retreat, as observed in the communique, also emphasized the necessity of aligning the NDDC’s budget with the fiscal year it pertains to.
To achieve this, the Commission plans to submit its budget to the National Assembly by September of the preceding year, as prescribed by the NDDC Act (as amended).
Participants at the retreat underscored the need to maintain stability in the Commission’s leadership. Frequent changes to the NDDC Board, contrary to the establishing Act, were deemed detrimental to regional development.
They recommended that current and future Boards be allowed to complete their statutory tenure to ensure uninterrupted implementation of projects and initiatives.
The communique also called for a strong synergy between the Board and Management to foster a high-performing leadership team. It stressed the importance of clear role definitions, with the Board focusing on oversight functions and Management handling policy implementation and day-to-day operations.
The retreat resolved that the NDDC must embrace digital transformation, incorporate sustainability principles in its operations, and establish clear performance metrics.
It also recommended that the Commission accommodate the interests of oil-producing companies operating in the region by citing legacy projects in host communities as a means of fostering collaboration.
In furtherance of governance reforms, the retreat adopted the KPMG Report on Corporate Governance Structure, recommending adherence to international best practices in NDDC’s governance, operations, and activities.
Participants at the retreat expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for implementing the NDDC Act in full, including the payment of 15% of the total monthly statutory allocations due to member states from the Federation Account.
The Board and Management reaffirmed their commitment to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta Region through effective service delivery, in alignment with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’