NDDC adopts new masterplan, embraces digital transformation at 2025 Strategic Retreat

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has wrapped up its highly anticipated Board and Management Strategic Retreat, held from February 16 to 18, 2025, at the Marriot Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos State.

The retreat, themed “Repositioning NDDC for Efficient Service Delivery,” brought together members of the Governing Board and the Management Committee to assess the Commission’s progress, identify challenges, and chart a new course for the development of the Niger Delta Region in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The retreat featured insightful presentations by the Chairman of the Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and the Managing Director/CEO, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, PhD, alongside contributions from resource persons.

Participants engaged in constructive brainstorming sessions, culminating in the adoption of key resolutions aimed at strengthening the Commission’s operations and impact.

The retreat emphasized the need to build on the foundation established at the 2024 retreat, fostering collaboration, unity, and synergy between the Board and Management of the Commission.

Participants highlighted the detrimental effects of frequent changes to the Board, which contravene the NDDC Act. They resolved to ensure that the current and subsequent Boards complete their statutory tenures to enable the full implementation of projects and initiatives.

A strong synergy and shared vision between the Board and Management were identified as critical for building a high-performing leadership team.

Clear roles and boundaries were emphasized, with the Board focusing on oversight and Management on policy implementation and daily operations.

The Commission also resolved to strengthen integration with member states in the Niger Delta region to ensure that projects align with the needs of the people.

The Niger Delta Development Advisory Committee, comprising the governors of the nine Niger Delta states, was encouraged to actively carry out its statutory duties to support regional development.

The retreat adopted a new stakeholder-generated Regional Master Plan to replace the expired Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan, urging stakeholders to adopt it in their respective states.

The Commission committed to aligning its budgets with the relevant fiscal years and submitting them to the National Assembly by September of the preceding year, as prescribed.

To ensure the sustainability of projects, the Commission resolved to engage stakeholders, including benefiting communities, from inception through implementation to secure their support and ownership.

The Commission pledged to embrace digital transformation, apply sustainability considerations in its procedures, and establish clear performance metrics. It will also strive to manage stakeholder expectations while discharging its functions and driving regional development.

The interests of oil-producing companies operating in the region will be accommodated by citing legacy projects in their host communities.

The KPMG Report on Corporate Governance Structure was presented and adopted, with a recommendation to adopt international best practices in the Commission’s governance structure and operations.

The Board and Management reaffirmed their determination to drive the development of the Niger Delta Region through effective service delivery in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Participants expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the full implementation of the NDDC Act, particularly the payment of the 15% equivalent of total monthly statutory allocations due to member states from the Federation Account.

The retreat concluded with a renewed commitment to repositioning the NDDC as a catalyst for sustainable development in the Niger Delta Region.

The resolutions adopted are expected to guide the Commission’s activities in 2025 and beyond, ensuring efficient service delivery and impactful projects for the people of the Niger Delta.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook