Where NDDC For Dey See Money: Shocking Details About NDDC’s Recent Performance.

Where NDDC For Dey See Money: Shocking Details About NDDC’s Recent Performance

By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

Following the track record of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over the past month, it has become evident that the interventionist agency has been at the forefront of commissioning mega projects across the nine states of the Niger Delta region. These ongoing project inaugurations have captured the interest of many Nigerians, leading to one pertinent question—where is NDDC getting the funds to execute these numerous projects?

The first noticeable shift since the inauguration of the new board is its commitment to transitioning from petty projects to large-scale infrastructural developments. Initially, when the NDDC embarked on a massive solar-powered lighting project across the Niger Delta, critics were quick to question its relevance, arguing that it was not part of the agency’s mandate. However, they failed to realize that the processes involved in illuminating a community and executing a full-fledged construction project are vastly different. Lighting up a region is a more immediate solution, whereas infrastructure development requires meticulous planning, funding, and execution. Little did these critics know that while the Niger Delta was being illuminated, concrete plans were being laid for a sound and sustainable reconstruction of the region.

A quick look at nighttime illumination assessments of the Niger Delta would reveal the extent of this transformation, with major towns and rural communities benefiting from the improved security and economic activities that come with electrification.

Today, NDDC has gone beyond constructing mere classroom blocks and boreholes. The agency is now focusing on connecting states with major road networks, building bridges, powering entire communities with electricity by linking them to the national grid, and constructing mega hospitals and other life-changing infrastructure. For instance, in just one week, NDDC commissioned two major road projects, to the amazement of thousands of community dwellers. These include the reconstructed Abraka-Oben Road (Phase 1) and the reconstruction of the Oyigbo road network (Obunku-Umuosi-Obeakpu-Mgboji-Ndoki road) in Oyigbo LGA of Rivers State. During these ceremonies, the agency also flagged off the rehabilitation of failed portions of the Abraka-Agbor road and the commencement of the Mgboji-Umuagbai-Akwete road project.

For years, NDDC had been synonymous with abandoned projects and failed leadership. What, then, is the magic wand that has turned the fortunes of NDDC around?

The Key Factors Behind NDDC’s Success

The answer lies in a combination of decisive actions and reforms. First, there is the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places a high premium on the development of the Niger Delta. The President has made it clear that the region must be developed, and his insistence on accountability has set the tone for the agency’s remarkable turnaround. However, is a presidential directive alone sufficient to bring about such transformation? Not necessarily. After all, Nigeria has witnessed instances where high-level executive orders were blatantly ignored.

This is why beyond President Tinubu’s marching orders, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh FNSE, took a step further by ensuring that the NDDC management and board signed a performance bond. This strategic move served as a game-changer, setting clear targets and benchmarks for the agency’s performance.

But even with a performance bond in place, there remained the question: could the NDDC board still fail despite this mandate? This is where another crucial element comes into play—stability in leadership. For the first time in a long while, the supervisory ministry, the NDDC management, and the board are operating on the same page, with no internal conflicts or politicking. This unity has enabled smooth decision-making and effective project execution, proving to be another game-changer.

Yet, does stability alone guarantee success? Theoretically, a leadership team can be unified and still be ineffective. This is why the real magic of the NDDC’s transformation lies in the synergy of all these factors:

The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, which set a clear developmental course.

The diligence and supervisory role played by Minister Abubakar Momoh in ensuring accountability.

The collaboration and alignment between the board and management, eliminating unnecessary conflicts.

The performance bond, which ensures that all players are held accountable for deliverables.

The commitment to transitioning from small projects to mega infrastructural developments that have direct socio-economic impacts.

NDDC, Where Una Dey See Money?

With all these in place, the next logical question becomes: Where is NDDC getting the money for these projects?

The answer is simple: when there is vision, direction, commitment, supervision, peace, and stability, resources flow efficiently. Unlike in the past when corruption and mismanagement drained the agency’s funds, the renewed synergy and accountability measures have ensured that money is channeled towards actual development projects. The days of reckless expenditure and abandoned projects are being replaced by a results-driven approach that prioritizes the completion of meaningful infrastructure across the Niger Delta.

This explains why, today, the NDDC is not only commissioning projects but doing so at an unprecedented scale. By aligning itself with the Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring top-level accountability, and eliminating internal conflicts, the agency has successfully created an environment where financial resources are utilized effectively for the benefit of the Niger Delta people.

Indeed, the turnaround of the NDDC is a testament to what can be achieved when leadership, commitment, and strategic planning come together. The transformation we are witnessing today is not by magic but by the deliberate actions of a focused leadership team, working in harmony to achieve a common goal—the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Special Assistant to the Minister of Regional Development on Media and Publicity.