How Buhari renewed the hope of Niger Deltans through NDDC

By Victor Amadi

From reforms carried out by President Muhammadu Buhari in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, there is no denying the fact that this administration is closing on a very strong note in the region.

The President’s commitment and altruistic mission to reposition the Commission and bring about the desired development to the people of the region, especially with the entrenchment of transparency and accountability in the business of the commission as well as the recent constitution of the NDDC Board is deserving of applause.

Worthy of commendation also is the appointment of citizens from the region to drive these reforms, one of which is an astute administrator, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to supervise the NDDC. The adoption of the policy of non-interference in the business of the commission and facilitating the timely constitution of the NDDC governing board was a well thought decision by the Ministry to open up opportunities to suitably qualified and eligible citizens to serve and add positive value to the growth of the country.

It was indeed heart-warming to the people of the region to see the Managing Director of the NDDC, Mr. Samuel Ogbukwu, appeared before the National Assembly last week to defend the Commission’s budget for 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively.

The National Assembly had withheld the budget of the NDDC for the past three years that the Commission had been without a governing board.

An appraisal of the capital components of the budgets has shown that the NDDC in compliance with the directive of Mr. President through the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, is placing high premium on the development of critical infrastructure in the region as opposed to the old order of awarding contracts as a form of political empowerment and for political expediency.

The MD of the commission while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC for the budget presentation and defence said: “Greater portion of the Commission’s available financial resources were directed to completion of infrastructure under emergency rehabilitation of failed roads in Niger Delta and clearing of waterways in ecological sectors.

“In view of this, a total of N129billion was paid on developmental projects/programmes in the fiscal year, which elapsed March 31st, 2021 putting the performance at 32%”.

Now that the President’s reforms in the region through the NDDC have begun to yield the desired expectation, it is hoped that the NDDC board and stakeholders will work in harmony to embark on critical projects that would add value to the people of the region. The people of the region are in dire need of renewed hope and this should be provided without hesitation through faithful implementation of Mr. President’s current reforms and programmes for the people of the Niger Delta.