Director General of World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Saturday lamented the poor impact of the Niger Delta Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in advancing development of the region.
She regretted that despite receiving ₦7 trillion in funding and initiating 15,000 projects, the NDDC’s impact remains low, with only 35 percent project completion and poor human development indices..
The WTO boss spoke in Port Harcourt at the 25th anniversary of the NDDC held at the Dr. Obi International Conference Center.
However, President Bola Tinubu represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Government of the Fedeation (SGF), George Akume, reaffirmed the present administration’s commitment to the NDDC, mandating the agency to prioritize the completion of abandoned projects and drive sustainable development in the oil-rich region.
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.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan condemned frequent leadership changes at the NDDC, stating that inconsistent governance hampers project execution.
He also warned against awarding contracts without secured funding.
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.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, highlighted the state’s strategic partnership with the NDDC, citing interventions in road construction, rural electrification, water supply, and health projects.
Read also:
- WTO DG Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, ICC Secretary-General call for stronger multilateral system
- Okonjo-Iweala warns U.S. tariffs could shrink global trade
- WTO Chief Okonjo-Iweala commends Philippine president for tackling trade conflicts
“As host to the NDDC headquarters and a principal stakeholder, Rivers State cherishes this partnership,” 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.
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.
