Despite ongoing complaints of its performance, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has claimed credit for the region’s improved health, education, and infrastructure throughout the last quarter of a century.
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In 2000, the federal government founded NDDC to help the Niger Delta region develop quickly, evenly, and sustainably.
Boma Iyaye, the executive director of finance and administration of the NDDC and chair of the commission’s 25th anniversary planning committee, spoke with furucinovel on the occasion of the commission’s 25th anniversary and admitted that the regional development body is still facing substantial obstacles, such as a lack of adequate funding and infrastructure. These, he said, have made it harder for it to carry out its mission to the letter.
Iyaye admitted that the NDDC had failed to meet all of its objectives, but he was optimistic that the commission would be able to achieve its development goals with President Bola Tinubu’s help.
A lot has changed in the Niger Delta since the NDDC was established as an interventionist agency, in my opinion.
When it comes to developing infrastructure and everything, I do believe that the Commission has a lot of obstacles. On the other hand, they have accomplished a great deal in these 25 years.
Many communities in the Niger Delta have benefited from their annual medical outreach programs, which he praised for improving infrastructure and health.
“A lot of benefits can be yours,” Iyaye continued. NDDC has accomplished a lot, but I won’t say that they’ve fulfilled all of their responsibilities. Some of the things we set out to do have remained unfulfilled due to the obstacles and insufficient resources.
It is my firm belief that the Commission and the people of the Niger Delta would accomplish much more if given the chance, particularly with the support of the current president.
In response to those who claim the agency has not had much of an effect in the area, Iyaye stated that the 25th anniversary celebration provides NDDC with a chance to create its own narrative and showcase its achievements, countering the prevalent negative perceptions. That’s why NDDC is commemorating 25 years this year—they often let other people speak your tales.
The bad narrative spreads throughout society when other people repeat your story. They won’t give you a chance to explain or defend yourself.
This time around, NDDC is making it clear that they will not stand for your ongoing denigration and bad narrative pushing.
We shall recount our narrative, highlighting its redeeming qualities. At the moment, that is our focus. They claim that NDDC has failed to accomplish anything, but I disagree. He made it clear that the NDDC has accomplished much and yet has much more work to do.
In terms of the future, he is optimistic that the Niger Delta will have access to basic amenities like clean water and power within the next quarter of a century.
In response to criticisms that new projects are being started while others are in the queue to be abandoned, Iyaye emphasised that the commission is concentrating on finishing long-standing projects, some of which have been inactive for more than ten years. His remarks were in line with President Bola Tinubu’s order to prioritise ongoing initiatives above brand-new ones, which he had previously mentioned.
We have been directed by the president to prioritise the abandoned projects and cut down on new ones. We are engaged in that activity.
The Kaa-Ataba Bridge, which connects Gokana to Andoni Local Government, and the Okrika-Borokiri Bridge, another massive bridge being constructed by NDDC, are two prominent landmarks in Rivers State.
These are projects from a long time ago. None of us initiated these endeavours. He made it clear that the projects in question date back at least twelve or thirteen years, but that they are being carried out in accordance with the president’s directive.