Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region have called upon the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to strengthen collaboration and partnership in the development of the Niger Delta Region. The stakeholders emphasized the importance of holding quarterly Partners for Sustainable Development (PSD) forums to foster collaboration and ensure effective budgeting for the various stages of development.
This call for collaboration was outlined in a communique issued at the conclusion of a two-day PSD Forum, centered on the 2024 Budget of Reconstruction Conference, held at the Ibom Icon Hotel in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The stakeholders highlighted the significance of the PSD forum within the budgetary process, aiming to eliminate duplications and institutional suspicions, reduce cross-purpose efforts, and minimize wastage of resources allocated for regional development initiatives. The forum’s objective is to harmonize efforts and streamline initiatives for more efficient development outcomes.
Additionally, the stakeholders stressed that the NDDC should prioritize projects that directly benefit the people of the Niger Delta region. They urged the Commission to strike a balance between fulfilling political demands and executing projects that positively impact the region’s residents.
The conference discussions and group interactions led to a consensus that the NDDC should adopt a lean budgeting approach, enabling the Commission to initiate and complete projects within realistic budget cycles. To facilitate the swift completion of ongoing projects under the 2024 budget, the stakeholders suggested that the 2025 budget should focus less on new projects.
In terms of budget allocation, the stakeholders proposed that the NDDC’s budget should encompass a broad range of projects that cater to the various ethnic nationalities and communities within the Niger Delta region. This approach aims to ensure equitable distribution of resources and development benefits.
The stakeholders commended the Executive Management of the NDDC for reviving the PSD Forum, which had not been held since 2016. They also advised the Commission to establish a clear timeline for contractor payments to enhance project execution and maintain accountability.
As the Niger Delta Development Commission seeks to enhance its role in fostering sustainable development in the region, collaboration, people-centric projects, and efficient budget management are poised to play pivotal roles in achieving positive outcomes for the Niger Delta communities.
