President Muhammadu Buhari has confessed that the most difficult job for any security officer is to serve a President and that his own Chief Personal Security Officer deserves commendation for the excellent job of securing him and his family all these while. The President also acknowledged the loyalty of other Security Officers and Personnel for the excellent work put in towards ensuring his safety and that of his family. President Buhari, who spoke today, April 26, at the point of decorating his Chief Personnel Security Offer, Aliyu Abubakar Musa, with his new rank of Police Commissioner, said that he is very impressed by the officer’s “loyalty and for my personal security. Serving me is very difficult.” The President commended the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba for the “correctness” of his decision to elevate the erstwhile Deputy Commissioner of Police to the full rank of a Commissioner, saying: “I am very pleased with his record.” The President advised the newly promoted officer to always remember his training and to exhibit sensitivity while carrying out his duty in his new position.
The new Police Commissioner was decorated by the President and was assisted by the IGP, Usman Baba Alkali as well as his spouse, Hajiya Maryam Ibrahim. The event was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, the family of the officer and some personal staff of the President. In a short remark, the newly promoted officer thanked the President and the IGP for the promotion and assured the President of his total loyalty and full commitment to duty.
Enthronement of transparency, prudent management of financial resources, and deployment of a new master plan are some of the strategies that would attract the private sector to support the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and return the agency to the path of sustainable development of the Niger Delta region. This was the position canvassed by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, in the keynote address he delivered at the NDDC Public-Private Partnership Summit 2023 held in Lagos. He stressed that once the finances of the Commission are transparently and prudently managed, it will entice genuine local and international partnerships. He also recommended that the NDDC should project itself positively through its choice of signature projects and interventions and open its accounts and project sites for public scrutiny. According to him, “capital is very shy and avoids controversies like a plague. In a situation where there are real or perceived infractions, corruption, lack of accountability, and other vices, capital attraction becomes a big challenge.” He pointed out that NDDC has diverse sources of funding, some of which include the Federation Account, Oil Producing Companies, State Governments, and local or international grants, thus the Commission would be expected to demonstrate financial ingenuity before it could leverage for more capital. The Executive Secretary based his recommendations against the backdrop of experiences at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), which is currently rated as the best agency in the country by several independent arms of the Federal Government and the private sector. While blaming the failure of the Niger Delta Regional Master Plan launched in 2007 on insufficient funding, frequent changes in leadership, delays in budget approvals, and other issues, he canvassed for a modified or an entirely new Niger Delta Master Plan, to be developed with the support of key stakeholders of the region. He advised the Commission to stick to its core mandate and avoid being pressured by interest groups to derail or dabble into projects outside its responsibility, emphasizing that the assessment of proposals should be strictly based on their sustainability, “otherwise, it would be money down the drain.” The NCDMB boss further suggested that development and infrastructure projects should no longer be considered as gifts but as commercial ventures that need to be managed for profitability. He lauded the management of the NDDC for embarking on the Summit themed “Rewind to Rebirth, describing it as “the start of a new dawn in making the Commission to retrace its steps back to the original objectives of its formation as an intervention agency for the development of the Niger Delta. Wabote admitted that it was imperative for NDDC to explore innovative funding via PPPs as a credible option to meet the expanding developmental demands of the Niger Delta region, hinting that “PPP’s also bring with it corporate governance, technical expertise, and commercial acumen to enhance project delivery and successful operations.” The highpoint of the summit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth over $15 billion between the NDDC and Atlanta Global Resources Inc, an international infrastructure project financing firm, for the construction of a mega rail line that would connect the nine states that make up NDDC and ease the infrastructure deficit in the region. NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described the deal as the first harvest of the PPP approach. He noted that NDDC could no longer shoulder the enormous responsibility of developing the Niger Delta region alone, hence the recourse to PPP model to provide alternative funding sources for critical developmental projects and programmes to effectively drive sustainable development in the region. Other dignitaries who spoke at the event observed that most of the funds that had accrued to the NDDC in previous years had not been properly applied, thereby contributing to the continued underdevelopment of the region. They charged the Ogbuku-led management of NDDC to chart a new course and partner with the various state government and other stakeholders to deliver impactful projects for the region.
President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to unveil 81 national and regimental colours for the newly established and operationalised units and retired unit colours of the Nigerian Army tomorrow, April 27.
The Army’s Director of Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, who made this known at a news briefing yesterday in Abuja, said that the last trooping and presentation of Colours Parade for the army units was conducted in 2007.
He said that the new units have been established and operationalised since then in line with the increasing operational commitments of the army as well as provisions of its extant Order of Battle (ORBAT).
He said that the colours were usually retired after 10 years of service.
According to him, most of the colours in the Nigerian Army have been used in multiple operations in various geopolitical zones of the country as well as foreign countries, hence deserving retirement and the presentation of new ones.
“It is against this backdrop and in line with the traditions, customs and ethics of the Nigerian Army, trooping and presentation of colours parade 2023 will be conducted to retire torn or worn out colours.
“A total of 81 units will, therefore, be participating in the parade; 53 colours will be due for retirement, while 28 will be presented to new units.
“The event is a unique ceremony not only to the units eligible for colours presentation, as many are looking up to this ceremony to witness the height of military discipline and regimentation.
“No doubt the parade will win more admirers for the Nigerian Army as it will provide another opportunity to showcase its reputation for excellent and colourful parades,” he said.
According to him, the special guest of honour and reviewing officer is the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The event will also have in attendance members of the National and Executive Council, members of the Diplomatic Corps and Governors of the States benefitting Units.
“Others are Service Chiefs, past Chief of Army Staff, senior military officers both serving and retired, captains of industries as well as other important dignitaries,” he said.
Nwachukwu explained that the national and regimental colours carried by army units during parades and ceremonial activities were important source of identity and pride not only for the units involved but for the army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He added that the sight of the colours created a feeling of pride in soldiers and ex-soldiers.
He said from ancient history, colours had served as inspiration for heroic acts of self-sacrifice and became the symbol of the fighting spirit of regiments.
He explained that colours also symbolised the campaigns, battle honours and badges granted to the regiment in commemoration of the gallant deeds performed by its members from the time it was raised.
“The association of the colours with heroic deeds of the units emblazoned on them has led to the custom of regarding the colours with veneration.”
The President of the Premium Bread Makers Association of Nigeria (PBAN), Emmanuel Onuorah, has said that more than 26,000 bread factories have shut down across Nigeria over the past four years as a result of the rising cost of baking materials.
Speaking on Arise TV yesterday, Onuorah said that the PBAN membership has dropped from 36,000 in 2017 to less than 10,000.
“In my factory, I used to have about 180 workers and we were doing two shifts, today, we have about 50 workers. That is how it is in the industry.
“I have laid off about a hundred and you can see the job losses. Just imagine that you don’t want to do that but you are forced to do that. At the end of the day, you must pay. A labourer deserves his wages. That is for me.
“So many have shut down. Four years ago, we had about 36,000 members when we started this association. Today, it is less than 10,000 across Nigeria and what are you having? It is a series of job losses across the line.”
He blamed government taxes which include the 30 per cent wheat levy, 15 per cent for wheat development levy, while 15 per cent is on duty.
According to him, the industry players have written several times to the Federal Government to remove the 15 per cent development levy which has outlived its usefulness, but nothing had been done by the Nigerian government to stabilize the price of wheat.
“Those millers that bring in the wheat from Ukrain, the US, and other places, they pay 30 per cent on wheat import. There is a 15 per cent wheat development levy. It was supposed to be a stopgap.
“It started in June 2012 and it hasn’t gone away. For the Federal Government, it is a revenue stream that is not a good one. You can’t generate revenue from everything. It is supposed to be for two years or thereabout after which the money generated will be used.
“We have been begging the FG, we have written for them to remove the 15 per cent development levy which has outlived its usefulness so that we can have some cushion for those people bringing in wheat.
“With that, you can stabilise to a reasonable extent the price of wheat coming into Nigeria. But it is just like flogging a dead horse. Nobody listens.”
The Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups (AAYG) has called on parties to a court suit to respect the court judgment that restored Senator Ifeanyi Araraume to his position as non-executive chairman of the Board of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The group, at a press conference in Kaduna, said that obeying the court orders and judgment would strengthen the rule of law in Nigeria.
The group spoke against the backdrop of suggestions by another civil society organisation that the judgement that reinstated Araraume amounted to court’s usurpation of executive functions.
Spokesperson of AAYG, Comrade Aminu Abbas said at the press conference: “the court’s decision should be respected and seen as a step towards strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria.
“We urge all stakeholders to abide by the decision of the court and work towards the progress and development of the nation.
“Considering the role the NNPCL plays in our national economy, the all-important company can’t continue to exist without a properly-constituted board.”
Read the text of the press confab reproduced hereunder in extenso:
“The attention of the Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups has been drawn to a press statement credited to the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups wherein they faulted the Federal High Court judgment that restored Senator Ifeanyi Araraume as the non-Executive Chairman of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
“While expressing its displeasure over the ruling, the group said it viewed the Federal High Court’s pronouncement as a usurpation of the duties of the Office of the President and an affront to the powers of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“In its jejune position, it claimed that the decision of the court was a clear violation of the principle of separation of powers and a disregard for the authority of the President to make appointments and dismissals in the interest of the nation.
“Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment, held that Araraume’s removal by Buhari contravened provisions of the extant laws governing the operations of the NNPC Ltd, including the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 as well as the Company’s and Allied Matters Act 2020. The judge consequently made an order reinstating Araraume as the Non-Executive Chairman of the NNPC Ltd Board with immediate effect.
“The judge also held that the removal of Araraume without a fair hearing by the president was, ‘wrong and cannot be tolerated by a court of law’, adding that the ‘plaintiff has proved his case that he was not legally and properly removed’.
“The judge made an unambiguous order nullifying all actions and decisions taken by the NNPCL Board since January 17, 2022, when Senator Araraume was wrongfully removed as non-executive chairman.
“It is important to note that the judiciary is an independent arm of government that operates on the principles of fairness, justice, and the rule of law. The judgment delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo was based on the facts presented before the court and the relevant laws that govern the matter.
“Therefore, it is not appropriate for the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups or any other group or groups, person or persons to accuse the court of usurping the duties of the Office of the President or to suggest that the judgment was an affront to the powers of President Muhammadu Buhari. Such statements are not only unfounded but also inappropriate.
“The court’s decision should be respected and seen as a step towards strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria. We urge all stakeholders to abide by the decision of the court and work towards the progress and development of the nation.
“Considering the role the NNPCL plays in our national economy, the all-important company can’t continue to exist without a properly-constituted board.
“Senator Araraume has a track record of serving Nigeria without any negative incidents. He was elected twice to represent his constituents in the Senate and was appointed by President Buhari to the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission. He underwent security checks by the Department of State Security Service and the Nigerian Police Force, which cleared him for the appointment.
“People who have served our country deserve all the support they need. Our youth should shield themselves from being used as pawns in the power tussle that lacks legitimacy.
“We, therefore, wish to call on President Buhari to clear all hurdles so that Senator Araraume can resume office, and summon board meetings to possibly ratify resolutions that were taken while he was in court, seeking redress.
“We wish to equally call on those in the NNPCL Board sponsoring different groups to discount the orders and judgment of the court to desist from doing so, as we won’t fold our arms and watch the Judiciary being intimidated from doing its work.
“We wish to also call on those who are aggrieved by the ruling of the Federal High Court to take advantage of the Appeal and Supreme Courts to ventilate their disagreement with the judgment and stop this unnecessary coordinated campaign in the media to disparage the judgment of the court. This resort to court bashing is embarrassing our country in the comity of nations. The act should be discontinued forthwith.”
Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and production Company Ltd (SNEPCo), Bayo Ojulari
Nigeria has suffered a loss of about $5.45 billion or N2.3 trillion in oil revenue over the last year, as a result of pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Dr. Osagie Okubor, who made this known at the just concluded Nigerian International Energy Summit in Abuja, said that the Trans Niger Pipeline, capable of transporting 180,000 barrels of crude per day, has been shut down for over a year, resulting in a loss of approximately 65,700,000 barrels of oil.
“If the average oil price of $83 during the period is used this equals a loss of around $5.45 billion or N2.3 trillion in revenue.
“The loss has not only impacted Nigeria’s oil production quota to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries but is also affecting the gas supply to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas.
“The shutdown of the pipeline has had severe consequences, as it is responsible for the 60% capacity of gas supply for the country,” he added.
Osagie Okubor stressed the need for the incoming Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritize the security of oil infrastructure, as the loss from pipeline vandalism and oil theft has had devastating implications.
He said that the lack of power to execute recommendations and policies in the various documents and laws of the oil sector remains a challenge to the industry.
This was even as the Managing Director of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, Philip Mshelbila, said that 40% of the capacity of globally renowned gas firms had been lying fallow due to theft.
Despite various frameworks and written documents on how to tackle the challenges in the oil sector, implementation still needs to be improved.
Last year, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company reported detecting an illegal connection on the Trans Escravos pipeline looped to the Afremo test line.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been the dominant force in Nigerian politics since its formation in 2013.
The party’s victory in the 2015 presidential election, as well as winning the majority of legislative seats in the National and State Assemblies, and again in the 2019 General Election, proves its dominance.
However, the unity of purpose that brought together the members of the party in achieving this feat has fragmented in Kogi State with the outcome of the recently concluded gubernatorial primary election. Hon. Ahmed Usman-Ododo, a former Auditor-General in the state, emerged as the flag bearer, defeating political heavyweights, including the Deputy Governor Edward Onoja, Senator Smart Adeyemi, Hon. Abdulakarim Jamiu Asuku, Hon. Yakubu Murtala Ajaka, amongst others.
The emergence of Hon. Usman-Ododo has thrown up some challenges of internal misalignment and disagreements among members, particularly the aspirants. While their loss at the primary election may be painful and disappointing, especially after the endorsement of Hon. Usman-Ododo by the incumbent governor, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, these aggrieved aspirants who are equally qualified to fly the party’s flag must understand that the party is supreme and bigger than any single individual. Some aspirants are unhappy with the endorsement of the governor or even the conduct of the primary election, but history remembers that some of them have either benefited from similar endorsements or were party to it in the past.
While it is within the rights of the aggrieved parties to seek redress through the right process, such redress must not be at the detriment of the party. To ensure the continued success of the APC in Kogi State, it is essential for all aggrieved politicians and leaders to rally behind and support Hon. Usman-Ododo’s candidacy for the governorship election. There are several reasons why this is necessary.
Firstly, he has a track record of success in public service. He has served in various capacities in Kogi State, including as the former Chairman of the Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). During his tenure, he was able to implement policies that significantly improved the quality of education in the state. He also oversaw the construction of several school buildings and the provision of educational materials to students. This demonstrates his ability to deliver on his promises and his commitment to improving the lives of Kogi State residents. His strides as the Auditor-General in charge of Local Government are enviable, and his successes remain indelible.
Secondly, Hon. Usman-Ododo is a unifying figure who has the ability to bring together all aggrieved personalities within the APC. Although some are aggrieved over his endorsement by Governor Bello, it is important to note that heavy-weight politicians within and outside the state have endorsed his candidacy, indicating that he has the support of the party’s leadership and is capable of uniting its members towards a common goal of victory in the forthcoming election and the sustenance of APC’s and Governor Bello’s outstanding legacy of security, infrastructure, agriculture, and education in Kogi State.
Thirdly, he is a grassroots politician who understands the needs and aspirations of the people of Kogi State. He has been actively involved in community development initiatives and has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of ordinary citizens. This is a quality that is highly valued by voters and is likely to give him an edge in the governorship election.
Fourthly, Hon. Usman-Ododo has a clear vision for the development of Kogi state. He has outlined his plans for improving infrastructure, creating job opportunities, and enhancing the state’s agricultural sector. His plans are realistic and achievable, and are designed to address the needs of all Kogi state residents, regardless of their tribe, creed, or political affiliations.
The APC has a proven track record of delivering good governance, and this can only be sustained through the election of capable and committed leaders like Hon. Usman-Ododo. It is therefore incumbent on all members of the party to set aside their personal interests and focus on the bigger picture: the continued progress and development of Kogi state under the APC.
In conclusion, the recent APC gubernatorial primary election in Kogi state may have caused some internal disagreements and misalignment among party members, but it is important for all aggrieved parties to unite behind the party’s flag bearer, Hon. Usman-Ododo. His track record of success, his ability to unite the party, his grassroots connections, his clear vision for development, and his reputation for honesty and transparency make him the best candidate to continue the great work of Governor Bello and lead Kogi state to even greater heights. It is time for all members of the APC to put aside their differences and work together for the greater good of the party and the people of Kogi state.
Abubakar Sidiq Usman is a Media Aide to the President of the Senate.
“My flourishing and manned law Chambers (whilst I am away on national assignment) and my real estate investments are still far more financially profitable than serving my country.”
These was the response, by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN), while reacting to those who accused him of diverting government money to acquire properties in America.
In a statement, Keyamo said: “those who are very closely to me over the years know exactly what I am talking about. Ours is a labour of love to my country.
“My Assets Declaration is there for all to see. (Again, this is verifiable.) “Some of us don’t need Government funds or patronage to get by. Whatever we do and whoever we support is out of our deep convictions.
“And yes, we have worked our socks off in the last 30 years! Please, expect more videos!”
The mister said that he set a bait for the opposition politicians and they fell for it.
“Two days ago, I decided to bait the horde of sore losers at the last elections with a video of my vacation in ONE OF MY PROPERTIES abroad as I did a light workout. Expectedly, they fell so terribly for the bait.
“Being folks of low moral standards, they seem to view everyone from their own depraved universe. Given same position of public trust and authority, I bet they would easily compromise.
“So, they assume everyone will wallow in the same moral squalor like them.
“For some of us who have built a huge reputation of honour, integrity and accountability and championed the fight against corruption — long before public office- probity and openness remain our guiding principles.
“By letters dated March 6, 2019 (long before I was appointed a Minister and immediately I was appointed a Board member of the NDIC), and in line with our Constitution, I wrote to the relevant government agencies, informing them of the closure of my foreign account(s) and the repatriation of my funds to the country, being some savings I had made as a private legal practitioner and a property investor over decades.
“The numbers of those accounts, both abroad and in Nigeria were clearly stated in those letters.
“Those foreign funds were lying in my accounts until my appointment as a Minister later in 2019 and formed part of my assets declaration.
“In 2021, I again wrote to the relevant agencies (by letters dated January 22, 2021), informing them of the movement of those funds out of the country to purchase a property as a better investment decision, instead of the funds lying idly in the account whilst I am in public office.
“The letters were duly acknowledged. I followed up again with Whatsapp chats same day to the heads of those agencies, informing them of the delivery of those letters and the contents of the letters and they acknowledged receipt. I have the acknowledged copies of those letters and those chats and replies are still on my phone, showing the dates of those chats.
“So, I had a good laugh when I saw the trending issues regarding just one of my properties in the US. It is even very laughable to think that after active, high-profile practice of law culminating in my privilege as a member of the Inner Bar (together with being an International Arbitrator) and thoughtful investments in real estate spanning over 30 years, I cannot afford such a relatively modest property.
“Understandably, some people seem to underrate us because we live a simple, modest life and we are not given to ostentatious display of wealth and the vanities of life like some people do. Lol.
“Well, for these haters, I have another bad news for them: let me now disclose that of my entire real estate portfolio (both home and abroad), this is about the CHEAPEST of my several properties.”
A former governor and current federal lawmaker representing Enugu East, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani has advised the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25, 2023 election, Peter Obi, to withdraw his petition against the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and stop wasting his time.
In a series of tweets today, April 23, Nnamani said: “he (Peter Obi) does not have near spread and national appeal. His petition is ego-driven, a joke carried too far. His attempt to highlight non electoral issues is trying to embarrass the President-elect.”
He asked Peter Obi to come down from his high horse to allow sedate minds to negotiate on behalf of the Igbo and South East for safe landing.
He insisted that Obi did not gather enough votes across the six geographical zones of the country to win the presidential election and that his case is dead on arrival.
According to Nnamani, what Obi is doing with his petition is “bad belle, petulance and demarketing Tinubu.
“His petition is dead on arrival. He does not have the spread or national appeal. His appeal to non-electoral matters is to demarket the President-elect and besmirch his reputation.”
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The new Police Commissioner was decorated by the President and was assisted by the IGP, Usman Baba Alkali as well as his spouse, Hajiya Maryam Ibrahim. The event was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, the family of the officer and some personal staff of the President.
Transparency, New Master Plan Vital For Niger Delta Development- Wabote
Enthronement of transparency, prudent management of financial resources, and deployment of a new master plan are some of the strategies that would attract the private sector to support the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and return the agency to the path of sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
This was the position canvassed by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, in the keynote address he delivered at the NDDC Public-Private Partnership Summit 2023 held in Lagos.
He stressed that once the finances of the Commission are transparently and prudently managed, it will entice genuine local and international partnerships.
He also recommended that the NDDC should project itself positively through its choice of signature projects and interventions and open its accounts and project sites for public scrutiny.
According to him, “capital is very shy and avoids controversies like a plague. In a situation where there are real or perceived infractions, corruption, lack of accountability, and other vices, capital attraction becomes a big challenge.”
He pointed out that NDDC has diverse sources of funding, some of which include the Federation Account, Oil Producing Companies, State Governments, and local or international grants, thus the Commission would be expected to demonstrate financial ingenuity before it could leverage for more capital.
The Executive Secretary based his recommendations against the backdrop of experiences at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), which is currently rated as the best agency in the country by several independent arms of the Federal Government and the private sector.
While blaming the failure of the Niger Delta Regional Master Plan launched in 2007 on insufficient funding, frequent changes in leadership, delays in budget approvals, and other issues, he canvassed for a modified or an entirely new Niger Delta Master Plan, to be developed with the support of key stakeholders of the region.
He advised the Commission to stick to its core mandate and avoid being pressured by interest groups to derail or dabble into projects outside its responsibility, emphasizing that the assessment of proposals should be strictly based on their sustainability, “otherwise, it would be money down the drain.”
The NCDMB boss further suggested that development and infrastructure projects should no longer be considered as gifts but as commercial ventures that need to be managed for profitability.
He lauded the management of the NDDC for embarking on the Summit themed “Rewind to Rebirth, describing it as “the start of a new dawn in making the Commission to retrace its steps back to the original objectives of its formation as an intervention agency for the development of the Niger Delta.
Wabote admitted that it was imperative for NDDC to explore innovative funding via PPPs as a credible option to meet the expanding developmental demands of the Niger Delta region, hinting that “PPP’s also bring with it corporate governance, technical expertise, and commercial acumen to enhance project delivery and successful operations.”
The highpoint of the summit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth over $15 billion between the NDDC and Atlanta Global Resources Inc, an international infrastructure project financing firm, for the construction of a mega rail line that would connect the nine states that make up NDDC and ease the infrastructure deficit in the region. NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described the deal as the first harvest of the PPP approach. He noted that NDDC could no longer shoulder the enormous responsibility of developing the Niger Delta region alone, hence the recourse to PPP model to provide alternative funding sources for critical developmental projects and programmes to effectively drive sustainable development in the region.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event observed that most of the funds that had accrued to the NDDC in previous years had not been properly applied, thereby contributing to the continued underdevelopment of the region.
They charged the Ogbuku-led management of NDDC to chart a new course and partner with the various state government and other stakeholders to deliver impactful projects for the region.