The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC’s inclusive budgeting process, which actively engages stakeholders in the development of the Niger Delta region, has overwhelmed the Ministry of Regional Development. The ministry highly commended the Commission at the NDDC 2025 Budget Conference and Partners for Sustainable Development, PSD, Forum held in Port Harcourt.
Delivering a keynote address at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Development, Dr Mary Ogbe, hailed NDDC. For aligning its budgeting process with the provisions of extant laws. Ogbe commended the Commission for convening key stakeholders to collaborate on the 2025 budget.
Her words, “This conference reflects a collective commitment to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta. It presents an atmosphere conducive to achieving an effective budgeting system for the NDDC. In line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. She further emphasised the need for “innovative, transparent, and participatory budgeting practices. To ensure that available resources are maximally deployed to meet the region’s most pressing needs.”
Also see: Health Expert: Regular Shawarma Consumption May Harm Liver
Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, noted that “the Commission has started implementing a new governance structure prepared by KPMG. Which is a reputable global business consultancy, to ensure accountability and effective performance…” In his address, NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, highlighted the Commission’s renewed focus on partnerships and the needs of the region.
Ogbuku said “the budget is for the people of the Niger Delta. A needs assessment is periodically conducted to ensure that projects meet the needs of the people. For example, Operation Light Up the Niger Delta is born out of a need for improved illumination in the communities of the Niger Delta. “We are building strong collaborations in both the private and public sectors. To deliver meaningful and lasting infrastructure,” he said.
Citing ongoing work with the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas, NLNG, on the Kaa-Ataba road and bridge.The project, he revealed, is the longest bridge in Rivers State and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, affirmed concerning the Senate’s commitment. To ensure that the 2025 Budget reflects the needs and aspirations of the people of the region.
He said, “I applaud the NDDC leadership for convening this crucial budget conference with all of the key players in our region. It takes dedicated work and collaboration to address the Region’s problems…” On behalf of the traditional institutions, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, King Felix Mujakperuo, called for a seamless handover of community-based projects. Mainly to ensure that they were properly maintained.
