A delegation from the Ibom Community Development Stakeholders Forum (IBCODEF), on Thursday, paid a courtesy visit to Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, the Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The visit, which took place at the State Office of the Commission in Uyo, aimed to introduce IBCODEF and seek a strategic partnership with the NDDC to facilitate the smooth implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in Akwa Ibom State.
Captain John Etim, President of IBCODEF, emphasized the importance of partnering with the NDDC, stating that the commission is a strategic institution in the country.
“In recognition of your statutory role as Administrator and the Commissioner for Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) representing Akwa Ibom State, we consider it an imperative to forge a cordial working relationship with your office to enable us realize our core mandate of facilitating the smooth implementation of the PIA across the state,” he said.
Captain Etim further stated that IBCODEF has been engaging with critical stakeholders, including the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, to facilitate the implementation of the PIA.
“For instance, we have been successfully engaging with the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers because of their important role in the area of host communities development trust fund, and other stakeholders and groups in the State to drive home this agenda.”
He also highlighted IBCODEF’s commitment to supporting the government in creating a conducive environment for the exploration and development of natural resources in Akwa Ibom State.
Apostle Nkono welcomed the delegation and expressed his commitment to working with IBCODEF to achieve their objectives. “I am impressed by the initiatives of IBCODEF, and I am committed to working with them to drive the implementation of PIA and sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State.”
The Commissioner commended IBCODEF for their efforts in engaging with critical stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of the PIA. “I must commend IBCODEF for their proactive approach to engaging with stakeholders. This is the kind of partnership that we need to drive development in the Niger Delta region,” he added.
Amb. Raymond Akpan, Director of Host Community Relations at IBCODEF, expressed his appreciation for the Commissioner’s warm reception and commitment to partnering with the group.
