At a two-day workshop on the “Harmonization of the Niger Delta Regional Development Strategy” for directors of the ministry and the NDDC, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, NDDC Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Mr. Davies Okarevu, confirmed this initiative.
Okarevu explained that, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the region’s development, the Niger Delta Regional Development Strategy (NDRDS) would refine existing frameworks like the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan, the Ministry of Niger Delta Action Plan, and regional plans by International Oil Companies (IOCs). This harmonized approach seeks to provide a cohesive vision for the area’s development.
In a statement signed by Seledi Thomson-Wakama, the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Okarevu emphasized that the workshop would enable participants to integrate the different regional plans into a unified, sustainable development blueprint for the Niger Delta. Another workshop involving a broader range of stakeholders—including economic planning commissioners, IOCs, traditional leaders, and community representatives—is set to follow.
Dr. Shuaib Belgore, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, represented by Mr. Paul Abia at the event, underscored the need for a unified development plan. He urged collaboration among participants to produce a strategy that could guide long-term progress in the region.
Lead consultant Dr. Atei Beredugo outlined seven critical pillars to be addressed to drive the Niger Delta’s development: finance, security, infrastructure, agriculture, oil and gas, governance, and economic growth. These areas, he noted, are essential to reducing poverty, fostering growth, and improving the quality of life across the region.
NDDC Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Patrick Ekade, emphasized the workshop’s goal of ensuring that directors involved in the implementation of the master plan fully understand their roles. He expressed hope that once the strategy is finalized and approved by President Tinubu, it would accelerate development in the Niger Delta.
Mrs. Mary Nwaeke, Acting Director of the NDDC Abuja liaison office, voiced optimism about the project, stating that it offers stakeholders and development partners in the region a renewed direction and sense of purpose.
