Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed concern over the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) inability to complete projects due to frequent changes in leadership.
Speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of the NDDC on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Jonathan noted that the Commission’s projects were often abandoned due to the short tenure of its leadership, which hinder effective planning and project completion.
According to Jonathan, the NDDC has had 11 CEOs in 25 years, with an average tenure of two years and three months.
This, he argued, makes it challenging for the agency to plan and complete significant projects that can impact the region.
Jonathan commended President Bola Tinubu for retaining Samuel Ogbuku as the Managing Director of the NDDC, describing it as a sign that the President was committed to developing the region.
He noted that Ogbuku’s retention despite the change in administration was a testament to the President’s interest in the region’s development.
The former President urged the NDDC not to relent but to deepen its commitment to performance-driven and inclusive governance.
He emphasised the need for the agency to prioritize long-term impacts over short-term, politically motivated projects.
Jonathan also highlighted the need for the Niger Delta region to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas.
He identified agriculture, education, digital innovation, tourism, and renewable energy as key areas that could drive the region’s future growth and sustainability.
“The future of the Niger Delta does not rest solely on oil and gas. It lies in agriculture, education, digital innovation, tourism, and renewable energy.
”True sustainability requires preparing our region for a post-oil economy, the transition that must begin now.”
