The 7th Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC), that was inaugurated on January 4, 2023, has resolved on the need to strengthen monitoring and evaluation of projects to ensure programme effectiveness and efficiency.
This was contained in a communique issued at end of four day board/ management retreat organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), at Ibom Icon Hotel & Golf Resort, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from Thursday 19th January 2023 to Sunday, January 22, 2023 with the theme ”NDDC: MAKING A DIFFERENCE”.
Just recently, during the inauguration of the Governing Board of NDDC, the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Umana Okon Umana, had reiterated the president’s commitment to reposition the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to deliver on the mandate for which it was established.
As part of the measures to reposition the Commission, Umana said President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a new template for the Commission for the development of the Niger Delta region.
Apparently, this is one of reasons why the retreat was held, as part of an effort by President Buhari’s administration to reposition NDDC, after series of presentations, group discussions and deliberations on critical topics relevant for ensuring the Board is kept abreast of the imperatives of its role , its relationship with the Ministry and Public Service Provisions in handling Government business and also in addition to repositioning the Commission for effective service delivery.
The participants at the retreat resolved “that NDDC should prioritize key sectors that would have huge impact on the standard of living of the people of the Niger Delta, namely infrastructure, education, health and agriculture”.
The communique reads in part ”that NDDC should pay particular attention to the security of lives and property and the protection of the poor and weak in the society. That NDDC should improve its youths and women empowerment programmes. The NDDC should consider implementing legacy projects that have the potential to benefit the people of the region, reduce poverty and improve the conditions of living of the people”.
In addition, the NDDC has determined to take the region to greater heights, engage in Public Private partnership arrangements with State Governments, International Oil Companies (IOCs) as well as International Donor Agencies with a view to executing mega projects for the Region.
Communique further called on the “Presidency to initiate the process of amending the NDDC (Establishment etc) Act 2000 to bring it in line with current challenges and realities. That there should be continuous orientation and training on standards, procedure and guidelines regulating the
relationship between Ministries and statutory Boards”.
Meanwhile, the communique further hinted that proper NEEDS assessment should be carried out through consultation with relevant stakeholders to reflect the real and actual needs of the communities. The Commission should ensure the establishment and empowerment of a healthy and robust Risk Management Unit, which would provide Management with an impartial and unbiased picture of the Commission’s state of affairs at all times.
In addition, that NDDC should also put in place a system that ensures that statutory revenues due to the NDDC in accordance with the Act are collected.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
