David Akachukwu
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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing security challenges in the Niger Delta as part of its core responsibilities.
Speaking in Asaba on Monday during a press briefing marking the Commission’s 25th anniversary, NDDC Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, highlighted efforts aimed at improving safety through community lighting projects. He noted that the deployment of solar-powered street lights is one of the commission’s strategies to deter criminal behavior in the region.
According to him, “the Commission is installing electricity in the communities, especially solar lights to brighten the areas to frustrate criminals from carrying out deadly activities.”
Ogbuku emphasized that improved lighting not only helps to reduce crime but also supports small-scale economic activity, particularly benefiting traders who depend on extended business hours to sustain their livelihoods.
“Criminals don’t want light, they hate any place that is bright, they prefer darkness. Apart from the fact that electricity brings development, the benefits are more than the disadvantages. We shall keep providing the brightness,” he said.
On infrastructure delivery, he assured that the Commission is actively working to revive incomplete and long-abandoned projects to ensure previous investments are not wasted. He mentioned that collaboration with other development agencies has become a vital part of this approach.
The Commission is also in talks with contractors responsible for stalled projects. According to Ogbuku, while there’s a legal framework to consider, including contractual obligations and the Procurement Act, the Commission is seeking practical solutions either pushing for project completion or taking over such contracts for continuity.
“The Commission cannot just sack the contractors for non-performance since there is a contractual agreement and the Procurement Act to consider, in order to avoid litigation,” he explained.
Touching on stakeholder relations, Ogbuku acknowledged that international oil companies (IOCs) had earlier voiced concerns that the Commission overlooked developments in their areas of operation. However, he noted that the situation has improved significantly.
He revealed that IOCs are now active participants in NDDC’s budget planning, and are able to nominate priority projects in their host communities.
“They now bring out projects in their areas of operations. They are cooperating now that they are seeing the improvements. There are projects in Edo, Ondo, and other states where NDDC and NLNG are partnering.
“We are already discussing with Chevron and the Delta State Government on how to construct bridges. We have met with the Delta State Government five times on how to partner for developmental purposes.
“Now they have our confidence. Their contributions have increased. The Federal Government too has increased her funding of the Commission,” he stated.
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In his opening remarks, Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, said the aim of the event was to engage key stakeholders and reflect on the Commission’s achievements and challenges over the last 25 years.
“We want to do the job with sincerity of purpose, not to betray the confidence bestowed on us. We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding us worthy to do the job,” Ebie stated.
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Jonathan Nwokpor
