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NDDC to ensure even development of Niger Delta

By Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt
29 March 2017   |   4:18 am
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has allayed fears by some ethnic groups in the region of attempt to exclude them from the agency’s development initiatives.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has allayed fears by some ethnic groups in the region of attempt to exclude them from the agency’s development initiatives.

It also promised to address every basic needs of the communities, employing the approved equity distribution principle as enshrined in the NDDC Act of 2000.

The commission observed that following the publication of a list of 375 infrastructural projects in some national newspapers and on its website, as part of ongoing process to implement the 2016 NDDC budget, which the current governing board and management inherited, some ethnic groups have raised concerns about the publication.

NDDC Head of Corporate Affairs, Chijioke Amu Nnadi, said while the commission understands these concerns, it wishes to state that there is no attempt to exclude any ethnic group, area or community from its developmental initiatives.

He explained that it was the policy of the new governing board and management to address every development needs of the communities in the region.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the commission is in the process of advertising additional jobs, which contains projects in these areas, particularly in Delta, Ondo, Cross River and other affected states. This publication will be made as soon as all necessary checks are concluded to avoid incidences of project duplication with other agencies.

“We call on all stakeholders in the Niger Delta to engage the commission constructively in addressing perceived grievances and concerns. The commission is determined to make a difference in the region and is prepared and willing to work with all groups to achieve this long-held aspiration of our people,” Nnadi said.

He explained that NDDC is building a robust and engaging partnership with all groups and wish to encourage more dialogue as all stakeholders work together to facilitate sustainable development in the region.

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