The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has restated its determination to establish collaborative relationships and focus on governance, as part of its commitment to transformative change in the Niger Delta region.
During a meeting with representatives of the United States Agency for International Development, (USAID), at the United States Embassy in Abuja, NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku stressed the need to rebuild public trust and enhance service delivery in the Niger Delta region.
The commission’s delegation, led by Ogbuku, included the Director of Information Technology and Innovation, Engr. Emeka Ani; and Consultant on Public-Private Partnership, Dr. Uche Igwes.
USAID delegation from the Peace and Democratic Governance (PDG) programme included the Office Director, Daniel Morris, who connected virtually; Deputy Director, Melissa Desai; Programme Specialist, Aisha Shehu; and Governance Specialist, Machill Maxwell.
Ogbuku noted that the meeting was aimed at exploring collaborative strategies that aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The discussions mirrored the aspirations of SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peace, justice, and building strong institutions, and SDG 17, which advocates for partnerships to achieve these goals.
The NDDC helmsman said that the new management of the commission was keen on doing things differently, stating that the new approach signified a commitment from NDDC to revitalise its image and operations and align itself more closely with global sustainable development objectives.
He briefed the USAID team about several ongoing reforms and programmes the commission had embarked on, including “Project H.O.P.E., which is building a comprehensive database of young people in the Niger Delta to ensure that a solid foundation is built for interventions without undue political interferences.”
He also briefed the team about the progress of the ongoing assessment by KPMG, which is now producing a Standard Operating Procedure to cover all aspects of the commission’s activities and transactions.
Ogbuku informed the USAID of NDDC’s willingness to partner with the agency in every area that could empower the women and youth of the region in order to sustain the peaceful atmosphere currently enjoyed in the region. He pointed out specific areas like agriculture, technology, climate change and potential windows through which the agency could explore cooperation in a mutually beneficial manner.
Morris commended the proactive efforts of the NDDC, noting that it was indicative of a shift from traditional practices. He expressed enthusiasm over the Commission’s quest to establish productive partnerships.
He thanked Ogbuku for leading the renewed efforts to challenge NDDC’s negative public perception, and undertaking interventions that restore stakeholder confidence and rebuild public trust. The two teams agreed to continue to work together both in technical support and other areas in line with the mandate of the commission.
Desai affirmed that the agency would consider the areas suggested as they plan the new programme in order to reestablish their footprint in the Niger Delta. She praised the efforts of the commission in working in synergy with the state governments to ensure adequate coordination that reduces duplication and waste.
The partnership expert and NDDC consultant, Dr. Uche Igwe thanked the USAID team for the meeting and confirmed that the interaction would continue to ensure that it yielded results that would positively impact on sustainable development in the region.
