Renewed Hope For The Niger Delta: Stakeholders Chart A Path To Sustainable Development
UYO – In a landmark event aimed at rejuvenating the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) hosted a Stakeholders Summit in Port Harcourt. The significant gathering aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and brought together a diverse group of regional stakeholders to discuss and address the pressing issues facing the region.
The summit, themed “Renewed Hope for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta,” began with a Pre-Summit Technical Session on July 10th at J’s Signature Hotel. Chaired by Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma, the session featured a keynote address from National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who announced the creation of a new directorate within his office specifically to address the Niger Delta’s security challenges, highlighting the federal government’s commitment to the region.
Governors, dignitaries, and other stakeholders delivered goodwill messages, emphasising the need for cohesive and strategic development. Presentations outlined the seven pillars of the Niger Delta Regional Development Strategy (NDRDS): Economic Development, Social Development, Infrastructure Development, Environmental Development, Security, Law & Order, Governance & Institutions, and Finance.
Seven syndicate sessions formed the summit’s core, each focusing on one of the NDRDS pillars. These sessions allowed participants, including the NDDC Advisory Committee, regional governors, traditional leaders, youth and women groups, civil society organisations, and IOCs, to engage in detailed discussions about current challenges and potential solutions.
The main event took place on July 12th at the Obi Wali Cultural Center, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Special Guest of Honour and former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan serving as Chairman. Senate President Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio doubled as representative of the President and Chief Host. Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, delivered an impactful keynote address that set the stage for the plenary discussions.
Plenary sessions reviewed and discussed the findings and recommendations from the Technical Session. The summit concluded with the adoption of several key resolutions aimed at driving sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
Key resolutions captured in the communique issued at the end of the summit include the reactivation of the NDDC Advisory Committee to monitor and advise on the Commission’s activities, ensuring compliance with the NDDC Act, 2000.
To ensure fund recovery and legislative actions, the summit resolved to pursue all funds owed to the Commission, legislate additional funding sources, and improve financial synergy. It called for the removal of the Commission from the TSA Policy, adherence to tenure provisions, and the avoidance of frequent Board dissolutions to ensure operational enhancements. The summit also prioritized the completion of the East-West Road and emphasised the need for robust consultation to avoid project duplication to improve infrastructure development.
On education, training, healthcare, and sanitation, the summit resolved to update the educational curriculum to meet 21st-century needs, with a focus on technical and vocational training. It also called for securing sufficient funding and fostering private sector partnerships.
To promote inclusion and representation, the summit resolved to increase women’s representation and prioritise programs for Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD). Other key resolutions included investment in sports, tourism, culture, and hospitality sectors and the initiation of the Niger Delta Development Bank (NDDB) to support SME growth.
On technological integration, environmental management, and economic diversification, the summit set goals to use modern technology for project monitoring and evaluation, establish waste management plants, implement erosion control projects, promote biodiversity conservation, and shift the regional economy from oil dependency to agriculture.
The well-attended summit, which also resolved to maintain regular stakeholder engagements to ensure continuous development, concluded with a united commitment to these resolutions. This symbolised a collective effort to drive sustainable development in the Niger Delta Region. With strategic stakeholder engagement and a clear vision, the NDDC aims to transform the Niger Delta, aligning with the broader national agenda and ensuring a brighter, more prosperous future for all its inhabitants.