The Nigerian government has praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its efforts in developing a budgetary process that involves various stakeholders in its mission to promote the development of the Niger Delta region. Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, commended the Commission for adopting a budgeting approach aligned with existing laws and regulations.
Speaking at the NDDC Partners for Sustainable Development (PSD) Forum – NDDC 2024 Budget of Reconstruction Conference in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Belgore acknowledged the historical challenges faced by NDDC’s budgets, including delayed submissions and approvals leading to poor implementation. He expressed optimism that the conference would help address these challenges and ensure effective budgeting for the Commission.
Belgore emphasized the importance of embracing transparent and participatory methods in budgeting to maximize available resources and address critical needs in the Niger Delta region. He also assured the Commission of the Ministry’s commitment to providing necessary support for the passage of annual budgets and consistent funding from the Federal Government.
He observed: “As the supervising Ministry, charged with the responsibility of coordinating the overall developmental efforts and activities in the Niger Delta Region, we promise to always provide and avail the Commission all the necessary assistance needed to ensure passage of your annual budgets and consistent flow of statutory contributions from the Federal Government.”
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, highlighted the Commission’s focus on building partnerships to achieve better outcomes for the Niger Delta region. He cited examples of partnerships with state governments and international oil companies (IOCs) to execute crucial projects, such as the Okrika-Borokiri bridge and the completion of the Bonny Creek Road.
The Executive Directors of Finance and Administration, as well as Projects, also stressed the Commission’s commitment to restructuring its budgeting process to achieve strategic objectives and eliminate duplication of projects.
Dr. Uduakobong Enang, the Economic Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, called on stakeholders to prioritize the aspirations of the Niger Delta region’s people in their deliberations and work collectively to achieve the region’s developmental goals.
Oba Obafemi Ogbaro, the Deputy National Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Minerals Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON), advocated for closer collaboration between NDDC and traditional rulers in the region.
The NDDC’s efforts to involve stakeholders and streamline its budgeting process reflect a commitment to achieving sustainable development and addressing the unique challenges faced by the Niger Delta region.
