NDDC, USAID, Partner On SDGs

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has restated its determination to collaborate with other stakeholders to transform the Niger Delta region.

At a meeting with representatives of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), at the United States Embassy in Abuja, the NDDC managing director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stressed the need to rebuild public trust and enhance service delivery in the region.

The NDDC boss said the meeting was aimed at exploring collaborative strategies that aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said discussions mirrored the aspirations of SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peace, justice, and building strong institutions, and SDG 17, which advocates for partnerships to achieve these goals.

Ogbuku said the new management of NDDC was keen on doing things differently, stating that the new approach signified a commitment from the Commission to revitalize its image and operations and align itself more closely with global sustainable development objectives.

He briefed the USAID team about several ongoing reforms and programmes the Commission had embarked on, including “Project Hope, which is building a comprehensive database of young people in the Niger Delta to ensure that a solid foundation is built for interventions without undue political interferences.”

He also briefed the team about the progress of the ongoing assessment by KPMG, which is now producing a standard operating procedure (SOP) to cover all aspects of the Commission’s activities and transactions.

The USAID Office director, Daniel Morris, commended the proactive efforts of the NDDC, noting that it was indicative of a shift from traditional practices. He expressed enthusiasm over the Commission’s quest to establish productive partnerships.

Morris, who led the USAID team, thanked the NDDC boss for leading the renewed efforts to challenge the negative public perception of the Commission and undertaking interventions that restore stakeholders’ confidence and rebuild public trust. The two teams agreed to continue to work together both in technical support and other areas in line with the mandate of the commission.