Recently, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, published a
list of 375 infrastructural projects in three national newspapers, as
well as on the Commission’s website, as part of an ongoing process to
implement the 2016 NDDC Budget, which the present Governing Board and
Management inherited.
Since that publication, it has come to our attention that a few ethnic
nationalities have raised concerns about the list of projects
advertised. While we understand and appreciate these concerns, the
Commission wishes to state, categorically, that there is no attempt to
exclude any ethnic group, area or community from its developmental
initiatives.
Indeed, it is the policy of the new Governing Board and Management to
address every development need of the communities of the Niger Delta,
employing the approved equity distribution principle as enshrined in
the NDDC Act of 2000.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission is in the process of
advertising additional projects, which contains projects in these
areas, particularly in Delta, Ondo, Cross River and other affected
states. This publication will be made as soon as all necessary checks
are concluded to avoid incidences of project duplication with other
agencies.
We call on all stakeholders of the Niger Delta region to engage with
the Commission constructively in addressing perceived grievances and
concerns. The Commission is determined to make a difference in the
Niger Delta and is prepared and willing to work with all groups in the
region to achieve this long-held aspiration of our people.
Indeed, we are building a robust and engaging partnership with all
stakeholder groups and we wish to encourage more dialogue as we work
together to facilitate sustainable regional development.
CHIJIOKE AMU-NNADI
Head, Corporate Affairs
NDDC