NDDC reveals new plan for Niger Delta growth and governance

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has introduced a governance framework and a regional master plan. This aims to improve accountability and coordinate growth in the Niger Delta.

Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC managing director, shared this news at the 2026 Partners for Sustainable Development Conference on Wednesday in Port Harcourt. He highlighted the commission’s reforms and priorities for development.

The conference theme was “Synergy for Transformation: Aligning Regional Development, Local Governance and Sustainable Partnership in the Niger Delta.”

The event brought together various stakeholders to discuss governance reforms and key regional issues.

Mr Ogbuku noted that the conference allowed the commission to showcase its reforms, programs, and activities. He invited stakeholders to evaluate these and provide input for the region’s development.

He pointed out that the NDDC manages the shared resources of the Niger Delta and must stay accountable to stakeholders. Regular consultations and open processes are essential for decision-making in the communities.

“Stakeholders are the people of the Niger Delta, so we must always come back to them to present our program and our activities,” he said, stressing the need for accountability.

Mr Ogbuku explained that the new governance framework aims to fix issues in the commission’s administration. It will set clear rules for how the NDDC operates, including responsibilities, procedures, and accountability.

He mentioned that KPMG created the framework after President Bola Tinubu directed the NDDC to improve governance and effectiveness.

The managing director said this framework would lay out standard procedures. This will help assess the actions of the board, management, and staff, ensuring clearer responsibilities and accountability.

He added that the document has been shared with Niger Delta stakeholders for feedback. This way, the framework can reflect regional needs and realities.

Mr Ogbuku said the framework should belong to the stakeholders. It will allow the people to hold the commission accountable based on agreements made for implementation.

“With this document, every NDDC managing director, director, and staff will know their roles and limitations. One person cannot do everyone’s job. This is the foundation and future,” he said.

He also mentioned that the commission has presented its regional master plan to stakeholders for feedback and approval. He described it as a common development guide for the entire region.

The plan aims to settle conflicts between the NDDC and state governments by providing a shared framework and clearer priorities for regional infrastructure projects.

“Let us own this master plan. It is not an NDDC master plan. It is a master plan of the Niger Delta,” he emphasized.

He urged stakeholders to use the master plan to check if the NDDC and state governments are carrying out projects based on agreed regional priorities. This will help promote coordination and accountability.

Mr Ogbuku stated that the 2026 conference was different from previous ones. It focused more on accountability, institutional reform, and building a solid foundation for the region’s development.

Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, spoke about the federal government’s ongoing support for infrastructure projects in the Niger Delta over the last two years.

Mr Momoh highlighted that these projects include roads, electricity, and water systems. The aim is to improve living conditions and support economic activity in the Niger Delta.

He mentioned the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge in Rivers, now called President Bola Tinubu Bridge, as one of the major projects in the region.

“The people of the Niger Delta must continue supporting initiatives aimed at fixing infrastructure gaps and boosting development in the region,” Mr Momoh said, calling for ongoing cooperation.

Asuquo Ekpenyong, chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, urged the region to shift from just extracting resources to producing, processing, and adding value. This will create more opportunities for long-term economic growth.

Mr Ekpenyong stated that the NDDC should work on moving from project delivery to broader economic change. This should focus on productive sectors, human capital development, and regional growth.

“Our responsibility now is to help build the Niger Delta whose resources, people, and institutions can sustain its own prosperity for generations to come,” he said.

Earlier, Godknows Igali, chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, called for unity among stakeholders. He urged everyone, including traditional leaders, host communities, and youth groups, to work together for sustainable development across the region.