In a landmark development, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today, marking a significant stride toward shared aspirations for sustainable development projects in the Niger Delta region.
The signing ceremony, held at NLNG’s Corporate Head Office, saw the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, and NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, putting pen to paper in the presence of top executives from both organizations.
Under the terms of the MoU, NDDC and NLNG commit to a collaborative effort aimed at empowering communities, promoting local content and capacity development, and working with stakeholders along the value chain to effectively deliver sustainable development projects in the region.
Dr. Mshelbila expressed NLNG’s ambition to set a precedent for positive change in the Niger Delta region through this partnership with NDDC. He emphasized NLNG’s commitment to replicating the success of its projects across the region, aligning with the vision of “helping to build a better Nigeria.”
He stated that the goal aligns with its vision of “helping to build a better Nigeria”. “Today, we are proud to formalise our partnership with NDDC, an organisation empowered to deliver development projects in this vital region of our nation. At Nigeria LNG, our journey has always been guided by a commitment to seek strategic partners in sustainable development. This commitment is deeply rooted in our core values and principles, and it drives us to continuously explore innovative avenues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. Our partnership with NDDC is evidence of this commitment.
“Our dedication to the sustainable development of our host communities in health, education, economic development, and infrastructural development remains unwavering. We understand that our success is linked to the well-being and prosperity of the communities in which we operate. Therefore, investing in projects and initiatives that empower these communities, promote social inclusion, and foster economic growth is an ethical responsibility.
“We believe that the highest standards of project execution and accountability are essential to achieving our sustainable development outcomes. We intend to share knowledge and build capacity with NDDC to make these outcomes feasible,” Dr. Mshelbila added. In his remarks, NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr Ogbuku, stated that the pact demonstrated unity towards sustainable development and progress in Nigeria. He noted that the MoU heralds a new era of collaboration for the betterment of the Niger Delta region and the nation.
“While the NDDC and NLNG each have unique missions, their common goals emphasise sustainable development, socio-economic empowerment, local content promotion, capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration. This alliance represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey towards progress and prosperity. It is a testament to the power of unified action in addressing the complex challenges faced by the Niger Delta region and the nation. The NDDC and NLNG are poised to create a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for Nigeria and its people.
“NLNG is recognised as a significant player in the global LNG industry, committed to conducting its operations with environmental responsibility and contributing to monetising Nigeria’s invaluable natural resources. Similarly, the NDDC is committed to promoting sustainable development within the Niger Delta, focusing on the delicate balance between economic growth, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of local communities,”
In his remarks, Dr. Ogbuku, NDDC’s Managing Director, highlighted the unity demonstrated by the pact towards sustainable development and progress in Nigeria. He noted the alliance’s emphasis on common goals such as sustainable development, socio-economic empowerment, local content promotion, capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration.
Dr. Ogbuku outlined NDDC’s dedication to uplifting the Niger Delta region through targeted initiatives in livelihood enhancement, education, healthcare, and socio-economic conditions. He stressed the organization’s commitment to empowering local communities and building strong relationships with various stakeholders.
The MoU outlines a framework for harmonious relationships between NDDC and NLNG, aiming to facilitate sustainable and continuous development in the Niger Delta region. It emphasizes the importance of effective, judicious, transparent, sustainable, and auditable delivery of development projects with accountability and adherence to global best practices.
The signing was concluded by Pius Ughakpoteni, Director of Corporate Affairs for NDDC, and Andy Odeh, General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development for NLNG.
For media inquiries, contact:
– Tony Omah Ph.D, Head, Media Relations, NDDC, ngere.omah@nddc.gov.ng
– Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Head, Media Relations and Corporate Communication, NLNG, anne-marie.palmer-ikuku@nlng.com
