The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has initiated discussions with France’s AFD and Germany’s GIZ to enhance job creation and bolster farmers’ productivity within the Niger Delta region. In an effort to promote sustainable development, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, led a distinguished delegation on a two-day visit to the offices of the French and German development agencies in Abuja.
Accompanying Dr. Ogbuku were Major General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd.), Executive Director of Finance and Administration; Mr. Charles Ogunmola, Executive Director of Projects; Dr. Uche Igwe, a partnership expert; and several other NDDC Directors. The purpose of the visit was to explore avenues for collaboration that would yield innovative funding mechanisms and technical expertise for impactful projects.
The AFD, with its global presence in over 100 countries, including Nigeria since 2008, has been a significant partner in sectors such as low-carbon energy transition, urban development, economic diversification, and agricultural enhancement. Similarly, the GIZ, operating in more than 120 countries, has been active in Nigeria since 1974, focusing on economic development, security, reconstruction, peace, governance, and democracy.
During the visit, Dr. Ogbuku stressed NDDC’s intent to harness international best practices and creative solutions to address the developmental challenges in the Niger Delta. He underlined the Commission’s commitment to improving the lives of the Niger Delta people and expressed optimism in collaborative efforts with esteemed partners like AFD and GIZ.
Both AFD and GIZ expressed enthusiasm for potential collaboration. AFD’s Country Director in Nigeria, Mr. Xavier Muron, highlighted the agency’s focus on climate change mitigation projects, while GIZ’s Country Director, Dr. Markus Wagner, identified areas such as vocational training, improved agricultural productivity, and technical support for tapping the African fresh food market.
Dr. Ogbuku described the discussions as fruitful, centered on synergizing expertise and assets to address the diverse challenges in the Niger Delta and expedite sustainable development across key sectors. Mr. Charles Ogunmola, Executive Director of Projects, detailed the specific areas of potential collaboration, including vocational training, sustainable agriculture, energy initiatives, entrepreneurship development, and environmental conservation.
Aligned with the federal government’s stakeholder engagement policy, NDDC organized a Policy Dialogue on July 6, 2023, with its development partners in Abuja. This proactive approach underscores the Commission’s commitment to fostering relationships that drive the region’s development agenda.
To solidify these collaborative efforts, Dr. Ogbuku has taken the initiative to engage partner organizations on a bilateral level, ensuring commitments made during the policy dialogue translate into impactful actions. Before discussions with AFD and GIZ, NDDC engaged with the World Bank, the European Union, and the Indian High Commission.
Pius Ughakpoteni, Director of Corporate Affairs, reported these developments on August 26, 2023.
