NDDC reaffirms commitment to tackling insecurity and completing legacy projects in Niger Delta
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reiterated that addressing insecurity remains one of its core mandates, alongside infrastructure development and community empowerment in the region.
Speaking at a press briefing in Asaba on Monday, July 7, to mark the commission’s 25th anniversary, NDDC Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, outlined how the agency is using community illumination—particularly through solar-powered street lights—as a strategic tool to combat criminal activities.
“The Commission is installing electricity in the communities, especially solar lights, to brighten the areas to frustrate criminals from carrying out deadly activities,” Ogbuku said.
He emphasized that lighting up communities not only deters crime but also stimulates economic activity, especially for low-income traders who depend on extended hours to earn a living.
“Criminals don’t want light—they hate any place that is bright, they prefer darkness. Apart from the fact that electricity brings development, the benefits are more than the disadvantages. We shall keep providing the brightness,” he added.
On project execution, Ogbuku reaffirmed NDDC’s commitment to completing abandoned legacy projects, noting that finishing these initiatives will ensure that the full value of past investments is realised. He said the Commission has formed partnerships with other intervention agencies and is currently engaging contractors responsible for stalled projects.
“The Commission cannot just sack the contractors for non-performance since there is a contractual agreement and the Procurement Act to consider, in order to avoid litigation,” he explained.
Addressing concerns from international oil companies (IOCs) about neglect in their operational areas, Ogbuku revealed that IOCs have now been integrated into the Commission’s budget committee. This change allows them to nominate and prioritise projects in their host communities.
“They now bring out projects in their areas of operations. They are cooperating now that they are seeing the improvements,” he said. “There are projects in Edo, Ondo, and other states where NDDC and NLNG are partnering. We are already discussing with Chevron and the Delta State Government on how to construct bridges. We have met with the Delta State Government five times on how to partner for developmental purposes.”
According to him, both the Federal Government and corporate partners have increased their financial commitments to the Commission in light of renewed confidence in its direction.
In his earlier welcome address, Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, said the event’s purpose was to engage key stakeholders and reflect on the Commission’s progress over the past 25 years.
“We want to do the job with sincerity of purpose, not to betray the confidence bestowed on us. We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding us worthy to do the job,” Ebie stated.
