The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is convening a crucial summit this week to chart a renewed course for the region’s development. The “Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit,” taking place July 10-13 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, will bring together key players to discuss and strategize a sustainable future for the region.
NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement. “Niger Deltans need to have a conversation on development issues,” he said. The summit’s theme, “Renewed Hope for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta Region,” reflects this focus on collaboration and fresh ideas.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” provides the summit’s overarching framework. Dr. Ogbuku assured the summit won’t be a closed-door affair. “Major stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, ministers from the region, traditional rulers and private sector experts” will all be involved, he said.
Stakeholder engagement is a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s administration, according to Ogbuku. He sees the NDDC’s efforts in this area as already yielding positive results, particularly in fostering peace across communities. “Development cannot take place in a crisis-prone environment,” he noted.
The summit aims to be more than just talk. Dr. Ogbuku believes it will be a platform for development partners to “harmonise their activities” and ensure their efforts are truly impactful.
The NDDC is also undergoing an internal transformation. Ogbuku described it as a shift “from transaction to transformation” in the development process. President Tinubu has tasked the NDDC with completing and commissioning impactful projects that directly benefit the people of the Niger Delta.
One area of focus is security. The NDDC plans to intensify its efforts to illuminate communities with solar-powered streetlights, aiming to deter crime and promote peace. Additionally, the Commission is providing portable water to communities, a critical intervention during a period of heightened concern about cholera outbreaks.
The summit will also address youth development. Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the Commission’s “Holistic Opportunities Programme of Engagement” (HOPE). He encouraged young people to actively participate, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive database.
“We discovered that our previous trainings were given to friends and family members,” he explained. The database will allow the NDDC to tailor programs to the actual needs and skills of Niger Delta youth. Sharing this data with other development agencies will further enhance planning and resource allocation.
Entrepreneurship is another key focus area. The NDDC, working through the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, is streamlining support for verified farmers and entrepreneurs in the region.
Financial discipline is also a priority for the NDDC. Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the engagement of KPMG to design a robust corporate governance system. This, he explained, will increase transparency and build confidence among development partners.
