The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has inaugurated a seven-member Procurement Committee in compliance with the Public Procurement Act of 2007, as well as a Contract Review Committee.

Speaking during the inauguration, which took place at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku underscored the importance of adhering to statutory functions as directed by the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP. He emphasised that the committee’s establishment is an annual exercise designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and effective checks and balances in the Commission’s procurement processes.

He stated, “It is very important that we comply with the directives of the Bureau of Public Procurement. This committee has been given a specified timeframe to ensure that our 2026 procurement plan is executed without delay. Every directorate is expected to cooperate fully with the committee to make their work easier and more effective.”

The NDDC Boss further charged the committee members to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Procurement Act and ensure that all procurement lists for 2026 are compiled and ready for implementation.

In his remarks, the Director of Procurement, Dr Chuks Osuji, expressed appreciation to the Managing Director for setting up the committee. He urged members to prioritise the timely upload of the 2026 procurement plan on the National Contractors’ Portal, noting that such compliance was essential for securing approvals from the Bureau of Public Procurement.

“The essence of uploading our procurement plan is to ensure smooth regulatory approval. Let us all work together to capture every detail of the 2026 procurement plan,” Dr Osuji said.

In a related development, the NDDC boss also inaugurated the Commission’s Contract Review Committee, charging them to ensure that all abandoned projects are identified for necessary action to complete them.

The Managing Director advised the committee to visit all nine Niger Delta states, as this was necessary to review the abandoned projects and determine the best way to revive them in line with the agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

He said the reason for the committee’s inauguration was to evaluate and ensure that all awarded contracts are executed. Ogbuku further charged the committee to determine the status of the contracts already awarded, review them, and take decisive measures to ensure the work is done.

Ogbuku explained that the committee was set up to identify contractors’ challenges, determine how to assist them, and ensure the work was executed. He emphasised that many communities were complaining about abandoned projects that need to be reviewed, possibly terminated or rewarded. He said every part of the region needs to feel the presence of the NDDC. He gave the committee eight weeks to complete the assignment.

The NDDC Director, Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Gbenga Omowale, thanked the Managing Director for his confidence in the committee and promised that they would carry out the assignment effectively and complete it within the time frame.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, says it has adopted a new Standard Operating Procedure, SOP, and the Governance Advisory Policies, as approved by the Commission’s Governing Board.

This was part of the resolutions contained in a communique issued at the end of the three-day NDDC Management Retreat at the Landmark Events Centre, Owerri, Imo State.
The communique stated that the SOP and Governance Advisory Policies “shall constitute the Commission’s Rule Book and strictly guide all processes and operations within the Commission.”

The Management Retreat, which was anchored on the theme: “Consolidating Performance and Repositioning the Commission for Strategic Impact in 2026,” was attended by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde, and all the Directors of the Commission.

The retreat stated that Leadership overload can be addressed by strict adherence to the Commission’s Standard Operating Procedures.

It added: “To significantly reduce cases of leadership misalignment in the Commission, staff shall be deployed to areas of expertise and specific skills gaps in the personnel shall be addressed through staff training/retraining.

The communique emphasised the need to establish a clear mentoring system and succession plan in the Commission, stating that it “shall comply with accountability frameworks to help staff understand their roles and align their services towards actualising the goals of the Commission.”

The communique declared: “To reinforce good behaviour, the Commission’s performance management systems should be clear on rewards for individuals and teams. The Commission must ensure the enforcement of staff discipline in line with appropriate Public Service Rules and the SOPs.”

It was also resolved that “the communication channel in the Commission should be enhanced to ensure official communication flow from the top without evading communication to superior staff in Directorates, Departments and Units. Also, communication gaps should be bridged through regular meetings by respective units in the Commission.

The communique added: “There is a need to further empower the mission-critical roles in the Commission. These include strengthening State Offices, enhanced women empowerment programmes, and proper project sustainability plans.

“The Commission needs to be at the forefront of institutionalising developmental planning. To this end, it is imperative to commence the full Implementation of the revised Niger Delta Regional Master Plan, anchored on the 7 pillars from the Sustainable Development Goals. Board and Management actions should align with the Master Plan, which becomes a tool for measurable impact in 2026.

“The Commission must sustain continuous stakeholder engagement for strategic impact that aligns with stakeholder needs.”

The resolutions stated that “to ensure an effective performance system and implementation of the SOPs, the Commission must ensure that every staff member has a clearly set out job description.

“To ensure an effective feedback mechanism for our projects and programs, there must be a post-intervention evaluation.”

It was agreed that “to enable the Commission to pay legacy debts, the Commission needs to explore other sources of revenue generation other than the Government and Oil and Gas Companies by exploring Partnerships using other resources within the region.

“The Commission must conduct a needs assessment prior to project conception to ensure ownership of projects by the beneficiaries and optimal utilisation of facilities.”
The communique stated: “More emphasis should be placed on monitoring and evaluation, particularly post-project monitoring and evaluation, to have proper feedback on the projects and programmes.

“There is a need for harmonisation of project data to determine the status of all the Commission’s projects to clearly indicate completed ones and ongoing ones.”
It added: “Beyond the social component of our projects, the Commission should incorporate economic considerations and consider investing in emerging clean energy technologies.”

Distinguished Resource persons delivered presentations on a range of topical issues, while participants constructively brainstormed issues affecting the Commission and proffered solutions during the practical, interactive sessions.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has affirmed that the Commission has started implementing a new Governance Advisory Report as part of its strategy to consolidate its performance and reposition itself for greater impact in the year ahead.

Speaking during a two-day NDDC Management Retreat at the Landmark Events Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Ogbuku, noted that the retreat focused on strengthening governance and improving project and service delivery.

The 2026 NDDC Management Retreat, which was anchored on the theme: “Consolidating Performance and Repositioning the Commission for Strategic Impact in 2026,” had in attendance the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde, and all the Directors of the Commission.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer stated that the Commissiowas already implementing the Governance Advisory Report, prepared by the multinational business management consultancy firm, KPMG, to facilitate its transition from transaction to transformation.

According to him, the KPMG report provides the tool for a new institutional culture, anchored in sound ethics and good corporate governance, to improve NDDC’s internal processes and protocols.

He urged members of the NDDC Governing Board and Management Committee to be deliberate in avoiding the mistakes of the past, though the experiences shaped the Commission’s present reality.

Ogbuku declared: “The 2026 NDDC Management Retreat offers a strategic platform for us to deepen our collective understanding of the Commission’s Standard Operating Procedures, SOP, and code of conduct, which remain the foundation of our service delivery. It is an opportunity to reflect on our institutional values, reassess our operational processes, and ensure that our actions consistently align with the Commission’s mandate and expectations of the public.

“Beyond policy discussions, this gathering calls for a renewed commitment to strengthening internal cohesion, collaboration, and mutual accountability across all levels of the organisation. By fostering unity of purpose, improving communication, and reinforcing ethical standards, we can enhance efficiency, promote transparency, and position the Commission to deliver greater impact in the Niger Delta region.

“Let us therefore,use this retreat not only as an opportunity for reflection, but as a catalyst for innovation, teamwork, and sustained institutional excellence.”

Ogbuku called on the Directors to practice good governance by implementing the basic rules, practices, and processes of corporate governance and adopting a set of relationships among the organisation’s board, management, and key stakeholders.

Speaking earlier, the NDDC Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr Patterson Ogon, affirmed that the Commission remained committed to facilitating sustainable development across the Niger Delta. “Achieving this mandate, however, requires deliberate planning, strong coordination, and a shared sense of purpose,” he said.

He stated further: “This retreat provides a structured platform to set a clear direction for 2026. It offers an opportunity for performance review and stocktaking, particularly regarding project delivery and the Commission’s strategic agenda. It also enables Management to clearly define roles and responsibilities, align priorities, and establish action-oriented outcomes.

“Above all, the retreat reinforces our accountability framework and strengthens our performance architecture, ensuring that our collective efforts translate into measurable impact for the people of the Niger Delta.”

Ogon, noted that the retreat aimed to evaluate past performance and set a transformative agenda for the region’s development in the coming year.

Speaking on the topic, “Consolidating Organisational Performance Through Human Capital, Change, and Team Alignment,” the Lead Presenter and Director of Studies at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Dr Dada, Joseph Olugbenga, urged the NDDC to emphasise teamwork and strive for robust engagement on key issues affecting the Niger Delta region.

He advised the NDDC to focus on consolidating performance, strengthening governance, and repositioning the Commission for greater strategic impact

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, to boost electricity in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the partnership agreement between the two agencies at the headquarters of the Rural Electrification Agency in Abuja, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, noted that it was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration and accelerate sustainable development across the Niger Delta region.

A statement by Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama noted that the NDDC delegation, led by the Managing Director, included the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde, the Director, Legal Services, Mr. Victor Arenyeka, the Director, Finance and Supply, Mrs. Kunemofa Asu and the Director, Liaison Office Abuja, Mrs. Mary Nwaeke.

Ogbuku said the collaboration aligns with the NDDC’s strategic vision to “light up the Niger Delta” and complements national development priorities to expand distributed energy access across Nigeria.

The NDDC boss described the MoU signing as a strategic commitment to sustainable development and improved quality of life in the Niger Delta region.

He emphasised that the ceremony represented more than the signing of a document; “it symbolised a shared institutional responsibility to deliver reliable energy solutions that improve livelihoods, strengthen local economies, and expand opportunities for communities across the nine Niger Delta states.”

The Managing Director noted that electricity remained a critical enabler of national development, supporting job creation, healthcare delivery, education, and inclusive economic growth. He explained that the partnership would advance national development priorities while unlocking the economic potential of rural communities.

He further emphasised that the NDDC has consistently adopted partnership-based approaches in executing its projects across the Niger Delta and was ready to support the implementation of the MoU by leveraging its strong community presence, planning expertise, and infrastructure development initiatives.

Ogbuku reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the REA to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, expressed appreciation to the NDDC delegation for the visit and described the MoU as a natural collaboration between two interventionist agencies with complementary mandates.

Aliyu, stated that the partnership reflected a shared commitment by both federal interventionist agencies to expand access to reliable and sustainable electricity in rural and underserved communities, while leveraging renewable energy solutions to stimulate economic growth, improve social services, and enhance livelihoods across the Niger Delta.

He stated that this was more than a document, calling the MoU a clear statement of readiness from the NDDC to move decisively in delivering reliable and sustainable power to communities that have waited too long for stable electricity.

According to him, the Niger Delta is central to Nigeria’s economic story, and its development must be supported by infrastructure that enables productivity, enterprise, and dignity.

Aliyu commended the NDDC Managing Director for his strong leadership and commitment to bringing the collaboration to life.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to advancing the Blue Economy as a strategic pathway for sustainable development, regional prosperity, and international collaboration in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku gave the assurance while hosting the former Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mr. Mehdi Jomaa, at the NDDC Guest House in Maitama, Abuja, as part of engagements linked to the Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit 2026 scheduled to hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The former Prime Minister, who arrived at the guest house with members of his entourage, was received by the NDDC Managing Director, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde, and the Director, Liaison Office, Abuja, Mrs Mary Nwaeke.

Speaking during the interactive session, Ogbuku highlighted the Blue Economy as a key pillar of the Commission’s development strategy, noting that the Niger Delta’s vast coastal assets present significant opportunities for job creation, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and regional economic growth.

He stressed that the Blue Economy Investment Summit was designed to attract investment, share best practices, and position the Niger Delta as a hub for sustainable marine and coastal development.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer emphasised that successful blue economy development required strong institutions, responsible leadership, and collaboration between governments, development agencies, investors, and local communities.

He noted that the Commission was prioritising initiatives that align infrastructure development, environmental protection, and economic inclusion within the coastal communities of the Niger Delta.

The Managing Director further briefed the former Prime Minister on the NDDC’s mandate and ongoing interventions relevant to the blue economy, including infrastructure development, community-based projects, youth-focused initiatives, environmental sustainability programmes, and regional economic development strategies.

In his remarks, the former Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mr. Mehdi Jomaa, commended the Blue Economy initiative and expressed interest in the NDDC’s approach to regional development. Drawing on Tunisia’s Mediterranean experience, he highlighted the importance of strategic planning, environmental stewardship, and regional cooperation to harness marine resources for sustainable growth.

He said the engagement provided an opportunity for high-level dialogue on blue economy development, governance, and African cooperation, while strengthening partnerships to unlock the economic potential of coastal and marine resources.
The discussions also touched on Africa’s shared maritime heritage and the need for continental cooperation in developing blue economy frameworks that reflect African realities. Both leaders agreed that Africa’s future growth will increasingly depend on its ability to sustainably manage its marine and coastal resources.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining strong collaboration with security agencies to maintain peace, protect critical national assets, and accelerate development across the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, and his entourage to the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate AffairsOgbuku emphasised that security and development are inseparable, noting that meaningful development would not thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity, while underdevelopment itself often fuels insecurity.

“At the NDDC, we have established a robust working relationship with security agencies across the region because we believe that security and development are intertwined. Without security, communities cannot develop, and when communities are underdeveloped, insecurity is bound to thrive,” he said.

The Managing Director stressed that the Commission’s support for security agencies aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to ensure peace and security across the country, noting that the Niger Delta is among the most peaceful regions in Nigeria today due to sustained security efforts.

“All that we do in the Niger Delta is in line with Mr President’s mandate. Security support is a collective responsibility involving host communities, the government, and institutions like the NDDC. We will continue to support the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to enable them to carry out their duties effectively,” Ogbuku stated.

He assured the Naval Command of the Commission’s readiness to deepen engagement, adding that the NDDC would continue to provide strategic interventions to ease operational challenges faced by security agencies.

“What we have done so far is only a prelude to what is to come. We will keep the lines of communication open and undertake visits to better understand your challenges. It is not enough to sit in boardrooms; we must see realities on the ground,” he added.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim commended the NDDC for its visible and impactful interventions across the Niger Delta, describing the Commission’s projects as clear evidence of development under the current management.

“On behalf of the people of the Niger Delta, I want to thank the NDDC for what it has done in the lives of the people. Since the assumption of office of the Managing Director, we have witnessed remarkable development across the region,” he said.

The Naval Commander praised Ogbuku’s dedication and resilience, noting that his familiarisation tour across the Niger Delta revealed numerous NDDC-funded projects, including solar streetlights, inverter installations, naval base infrastructure, and the construction of a secondary school for the Nigerian Navy.

Rear Admiral Ibrahim disclosed that the Nigerian Navy recently launched “Operation Sentinel,” aimed at supporting crude oil exploration, production, and transportation, in line with national economic objectives.

He noted that with plans by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, to increase crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027, sustained security collaboration would be critical.

“If this target is achieved, the NDDC will be a major beneficiary, while the people of the Niger Delta will gain directly through increased development projects. I, therefore, appeal to the Commission to sustain and expand its support to enable the Navy to strengthen its security apparatus and assist NURPC in meeting and surpassing this production target,” he said.

Rear Admiral Ibrahim also acknowledged the NDDC’s consistent support for security agencies and called for a stronger partnership to ensure lasting peace, increased oil production, and a positive global projection of the Niger Delta

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in collaboration with the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises–Niger Delta, LIFE-ND, has intensified efforts to advance agricultural transformation across the Niger Delta region.

A ststement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs noted as part of its oversight responsibilities, officials of the NDDC and LIFE-ND inspected agricultural incubation centres in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers States to evaluate the programme’s performance in rural communities.

Speaking during the inspection of Megalakes Farms in Ogu Town, Rivers State, the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume, said the exercise was a routine inspection aimed at assessing the level of implementation of the programme.

She noted: “This oversight function is to ensure that the training is on track with its mandate. The NDDC’s commitment to meeting its counterpart funding obligations and driving rural economic transformation is in alignment with the agricultural development objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Madume explained that the inspection provided an opportunity to engage directly with incubatees across the different batches and identify areas for improvement under the LIFE-ND programme, a collaborative initiative involving the NDDC, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Federal Government, and participating state governments. She added that the three-day inspection covered incubation centres in Delta, Imo and Akwa Ibom States.

The Special Assistant on Agriculture to the NDDC Managing Director, Mr Abi Morris expressed satisfaction with the level of implementation of the programme and the enthusiasm displayed by the young agripreneurs who have either set up their own enterprise or are undergoing incubation. He made this observation during an inspection of one of the training centres in Sogho, in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“This programme is a clear demonstration of development in action. It goes beyond training to unlocking livelihoods and reshaping mindsets. The Commission will continue to support initiatives that equip our youth with the skills and resources to succeed. We have taken note of the challenges faced by these young agripreneurs and ensured that necessary adjustments are made,” Morris said.

One of the beneficiaries in Sogho, Rivers State, Miss Nzhu Salome, thanked the NDDC for the initiative, noting that the programme had equipped her with the requisite knowledge and funding to establish her own garri marketing enterprise.

During oversight activities in Imo State, Director II, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Tonye Frank-Oputu, emphasised the importance of the initiative whilst commending the incubatees for their recorded progress. “The incubatees have shown sheer dedication and have achieved a lot so far. Their progress is clear evidence that the opportunities provided under the LIFE-ND programme are being effectively utilised,” he said.

Also in Imo State, Ibigineh Doreen, an incubatee at Ibiasoegbe in Oru West Local Government Area, commended the programme for significantly enhancing her fish farming venture.

During oversight activities in Akwa Ibom State, a Director in Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Oretan Adebowale, charged the beneficiaries in Adiasim Ikot Essin in Essien Udim LGA, to use the knowledge gained to drive sustainable agriculture in their community and state at large.

“From our interactions and observations, it is evident that the incubation model is efficient,” he said.

One of the incubatees, Mr. Ohaka Emmanuel, also thanked the NDDC and the Federal Government for the initiative, expressing gratitude for being selected for the third batch. He said: “This training has given me the opportunity to learn fish production, processing and marketing. I also appreciate my incubator for the knowledge acquired.”

The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, has charged the South East Development Commission to collaborate with the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in the execution of regional projects that will benefit the South East and the South South states.

The Minister stated this yesterday during the South East Vision 2050 Stakeholders’ Forum at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. The NDDC Board Chairman, Mr Chiedu Ebie, the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and the Bayelsa State Representative on the Board, Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa joined other stakeholders at the event.

A ststement by NDDCs Director, Corporate Affairs Seledi Thompson-Wakama stated that the Minister noted the creation of the South East Development Commission by the administration of President Tinubu reflected an institutional commitment to the coordinated, targeted transformation of the region through the revitalisation of critical infrastructure, including the rail sector and the agricultural value chain.

Momoh said the event was a crowning moment in the development of the South East region, especially in fostering a united and prosperous future.

Declaring the Vision 2050 Stakeholders’ Forum open, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said that the 25-year development blueprint for the South-East region was a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic future.

He announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the establishment of the South East Investment Company Limited, designed to mobilise resources from the diaspora, capital markets, and development finance institutions for the region’s development.

The Vice President said the gathering was a decisive break from short-term governance cycles toward a structured, multi-decade development framework.

“This forum reflects foresight, responsibility, and a shared understanding that the future is not something we wait for, but something we must deliberately design.

“In recognition of the distinctive character of the South-East, its entrepreneurial spirit, its global diaspora, and its long-standing relationship with international capital, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of the South East Investment Company Limited.”

Speaking earlier, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State joined his colleagues in the region in endorsing the vision 2050, explaining that the vision is an opportunity for the South East region to tap into the national agenda tagged vision 2060.

He applauded the unity of purpose among leaders and stakeholders in the region and proposed the birthing of a South East common market, describing the moment as the awakening of an economic giant.

He urged a paradigm shift in the planning and execution of projects across the region while calling on the people of the area to complement the renewed drive by the Federal Government to improve the security of lives and livelihoods as well as integrate all parts of the region’s plan for inclusive development.

In his welcome speech, the Chairman of the South East Development Commission, Sir Emeka Wogu, thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to the progress and development of the South East region and its people.

Speaking in the same vein, the Managing Director of the SEDC, Mr Mark Okoye, thanked President Tinubu for creating the commission as a special-purpose vehicle to champion the region’s economic transformation.

He said the SEDC will seek the partnership of state governments, the diaspora community, and the organised private sector in implementing the 2050 vision, aimed at charting a shared path to sustainable prosperity for South East Nigeria, focusing on infrastructure, power, peacebuilding, and connectivity, among others.

In a goodwill message, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Sen. Azuta Mbata, commended the Federal Government for prioritising regional integration and development through the summit.

He said the integration of the South East in the broader national development agenda is key, and pledged the support of the people of the region for the aspirations of the Vision 2050 and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.