The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is undergoing a transformative phase under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who is implementing a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model to drive sustainable development in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
This paradigm shift has garnered praise from key stakeholders, including former NDDC CEO Chief Timi Alaibe, who commended the Commission for charting a new course.
The PPP initiative aims to attract alternative sources of funding and expertise from the private sector to support the NDDC’s development projects and programs.
Dr. Ogbuku emphasises the importance of transparency, due process, and collaboration to build confidence and trust among partners and stakeholders. Through partnerships with oil companies, state governments, traditional rulers, civil society groups, youth organizations, contractors, and multinational corporations, the NDDC aims to access funding, technical assistance, and expertise in various areas.
Significant achievements have already been made under this new approach. The Commission is set to inaugurate major projects, including a 132/33kv sub-station in Okitipupa that will provide electricity to over 2,000 communities in Ondo State.
Another notable project is the Ogbia-Nembe Road, a joint initiative between the NDDC and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). This successful collaboration serves as a model for future partnerships.
Engagement with stakeholders, such as the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and government agencies at various levels, is a crucial aspect of the NDDC’s strategy. By participating in government-led initiatives and advocating for policies that promote sustainable development, the Commission can access government resources, policies, and programs that align with its objectives.
Moreover, partnerships with multilateral agencies like the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and International Monetary Fund (IMF) offer opportunities for technical support, funding, and policy advice.
The NDDC’s commitment to the PPP model is further evidenced by its recent memorandum of understanding with Atlanta Global Resources Inc. (AGRI), a United States-based firm.
The partnership aims to construct a railway network connecting the nine states of the Niger Delta region. The project’s preliminary stages are set to begin soon, marking a significant step towards realizing this ambitious endeavor.
The PPP Summit held by the NDDC received widespread acclaim from attendees. Engr. Simbi Wabote, executive secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, emphasized the importance of proper analysis and studies in successful partnerships.
He commended the NDDC for its initiative to attract additional funding through PPPs and expressed optimism about the Commission’s renewed focus on its original objectives.
Other notable figures, including former Edo State governor Comrade Adams Oshiomole and former director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Dr. Dakuku Peterside, lauded the NDDC for its courage and efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable development in the region. International participant Johnson Mwawasi Kilangi, founder and CEO of Miundo Misingi Hub in Nairobi, Kenya, highlighted the importance of leveraging private sector resources and innovation to develop high-quality, affordable, and sustainable infrastructure.
The NDDC’s adoption of the PPP model signals a new era for the Commission and the Niger Delta region.
With strategic partnerships, transparent practices, and a focus on sustainable development, the NDDC is poised to raise the bar of performance and drive transformative change in the region. The “Rewind to Rebirth” initiative sets the stage for a future marked by progress, collaboration, and prosperity.
