Why there are abandoned projects in Niger-Delta – Jonathan

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has linked the numerous unfinished projects across the Niger Delta to the constant turnover in the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Speaking on Saturday during a plenary session held in Port Harcourt as part of the NDDC’s 25th anniversary celebration, Jonathan emphasized the importance of stable leadership within the commission.

He stressed that continuity at the helm is crucial for ensuring that developmental projects are seen through to completion, instead of being abandoned midway.

Jonathan observed that the frequent replacement of Chief Executive Officers at the NDDC has disrupted long-term planning and execution, hampering development progress in the region.

He clarified that these projects weren’t intentionally abandoned by commission officials, but that the inconsistency in leadership made such outcomes almost unavoidable.

The former president added that when long-term planning is not feasible due to short tenures, agencies often shift to contractor-led initiatives instead of structured, plan-based development efforts.

He highlighted that in its 25-year history, the NDDC has had 11 different CEOs, which averages out to each leader serving just over two years.

“The question is: how can one plan? How can significant projects for the region be completed within two years and three months in office?” he asked.

Jonathan went on to commend President Bola Tinubu for maintaining Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as the NDDC’s Managing Director, calling it a positive sign of commitment to the region’s growth.

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He acknowledged that residents of the Niger Delta were pleased that Ogbuku had remained in office since his initial appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2022.

Jonathan also noted that while Ogbuku officially began his duties on January 4, 2023, Tinubu took office several months later, in May 2023.

“If President Tinubu were not interested in developing the region, he would have removed him and appointed someone else.

“Ogbuku would have spent only five months in office. Nobody would have heard of Ogbuku.

“We remember the former Chairman, Onyema Ugochukwu, and the former Managing Director, Timi Alaibe, because they served for a reasonable period and made impact during their tenure,” he added.

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