Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
The Minister of Niger Delta Development (MNDD), Abubakar Momoh, yesterday inaugurated the new Governing Board of the Niger Development Commission (NDDC) with a charge that they should have on their fingertips the eight-point presidential priorities that would guide the board in its development strides of the Niger Delta region.
Speaking during the ceremony, the minister said: “The inauguration of the board means that we have accepted to be part of the ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to that very extent, we need to be conversant with the eight presidential priorities ranging from food security, ending of poverty in inclusivity, job creation, anti-corruption stance, rule of law and others. To that extent you are expected to work towards delivery in those areas.
“We are also aware that there have been a lot of complaints about the NDDC and I want to use this opportunity to appeal and also direct that this time around, we need to change the narrative. We cannot continue to do the same thing the same way and expect that we are going to achieve a different result.
“Collectively, therefore, we must be committed to how the zone can be transformed.”
The former lawmaker advised the board to reconsider the issue of abandoned projects and see how local contractors owed below N30 million could be considered for payment after ascertaining the completion of work done.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, in his opening remarks reminded the newly-appointed board members of the importance of the region. He urged them to bring to fore their wealth of experience and expertise, as well as dedication in working harmoniously with the ministry and other stakeholders to achieve socio-economic prosperity in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of the president. The Chairman of the NDDC Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deeming it worthy to appoint them.
He noted that “considering the challenges and enormity of this responsibility, the board would stand on the pedestal of Mr. President’s ‘Renewed Hope’ mandate and will look back at the vision and history of the NDDC 23 years existential journey aligning it with current realities and objectives of the current administration.
“We would execute legacy projects based on detailed need assessment and seek strategic collaboration with our partners. Effective communication with key stakeholders is paramount in the discharge of our duties with development partners, as this would restore trust, transparency and accountability which will enhance development in the region.”
