NDDC seeks amendment of Act establishing it

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has asked the Presidency to begin the process of amending the Act establishing it.

According to the commission, amending the Act would bring it in line with current challenges and realities, adding that a review of the expired 2020 regional masterplan would provide a sustainable focus for the region.

In a communique issued at the end of a four-day board and management retreat of the commission held in Uyo and signed on behalf of the NDDC Governing Board by its Chairman, Lauretta Onochie, on Tuesday, the agency said it would engage in Public Private Partnership.

arrangements with state governments, international oil companies (IOCs) as well as International Donor Agencies in the execution of mega projects for the region.

“That the Presidency should initiate the process of amending the NDDC (Establishment etc) Act 2000 to bring it in line with current challenges and realities;

“The Niger Delta regional Masterplan should be revisited and reviewed having expired in 2020, to provide a sustainable focus for the region,” the communique said.

It called for a clear definition of roles and responsibilities for both the Ministry and the commission in line with the Establishment Act of NDDC, effective, strategic, timely communication and feedback between the Ministry and the Board, as well as due adherence to all extant rules and regulations.

The commission promised to prioritize infrastructure, education, health and agriculture as a way of improving the standard of living for the people of the region.

It further pledged to pay close attention to the security of lives and property of the people, protect the poor and weak in the society, and improve its youths and women empowerment programmes.

“That the NDDC should prioritize key sectors that would have a huge impact on the standard of living of the people of the Niger Delta, namely: infrastructure, education, health and agriculture.

“That the NDDC should pay particular attention to the security of lives and property and the protection of the poor and weak in the society. That the 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,” the commission stated.