? Rivers Administrator calls for collaboration to harness blue economy potentials

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration?s commitment to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), mandating the agency to prioritize the completion of abandoned projects and drive sustainable development in the oil-rich region.

The President?s charge was delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during the NDDC?s 25th Anniversary Celebration held in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

President Tinubu emphasized that the NDDC Board has been given full support to complete its tenure, ensuring stability and continuity in delivering critical infrastructure, youth empowerment, and agricultural development.

"The Niger Delta remains vital to Nigeria?s economic growth, and the NDDC must remain focused on addressing the region?s developmental concerns," the President stated.

"Key projects such as the Okrika and Ataba sea-crossing bridges must be completed, alongside investments in human capital and youth empowerment."

Rivers State Seeks Stronger NDDC Collaboration

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, highlighted the state?s strategic partnership with the NDDC, citing interventions in road construction, rural electrification, water supply, and health projects.

"As host to the NDDC headquarters and a principal stakeholder, Rivers State cherishes this partnership," Vice Admiral Ibas said.

"We must now deepen collaboration to avoid duplication, maximize impact, and ensure our people truly benefit from deployed resources."

He urged the NDDC to expand support for sports facilities, skill acquisition programmes, and the blue economy, aligning with President Tinubu?s Renewed Hope Agenda.

"By harnessing the blue economy, the Niger Delta can catalyze over half of Nigeria?s $1 trillion economic target. We must shift focus from just roads and bridges to sustainable ventures that drive prosperity," he added.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed that the current NDDC Board inherited 14,700 abandoned projects, blaming leadership instability and mismanagement.

He assured that steps are being taken to ensure project completion and tenure stability.

He also warned against awarding contracts without secured funding.

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, noted that despite receiving ?7 trillion in funding and initiating 15,000 projects, the NDDC?s impact remains low, with only 35% project completion and poor human development indices.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, outlined the Commission?s achievements, including the revival of abandoned projects like the 27km Ogbia-Nembe Road and resolution of staff promotion delays.

"Under President Tinubu?s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to transforming the Niger Delta into a hub of sustainable development," Dr. Ogbuku stated.

A Call for Unity and Progress

The event underscored the need for collaboration, accountability, and long-term planning to address the Niger Delta?s challenges. Stakeholders agreed that political stability, prudent project execution, and economic diversification are critical for the region?s future.

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