Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on the new governing board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to stop duplication of projects in states, which leads to wastage of resources.
  
Fubara made the call during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the board, Chiedu Ebie, who led other members and management of the commission to Government House in Port Harcourt.
  
The governor, in a statement by his Special Assistant on media, Boniface Onyedi, said as a development agency, NDDC should be more interested in siting projects borne out of thorough needs assessment and synergy with state governments in order to achieve coordinated distribution of projects and enduring development of the region.
  
Fubara said his administration is following the example of its predecessor to continue to have effective collaboration with all federal agencies, NDDC inclusive, within the aim of advancing the wellbeing of the people.
  
He said: “In every purpose of government, what is important is the people; and I can feel in your speech as chairman that the interest of the people is paramount in the administration of this commission. 
  
“Therefore, people should be happy with what you do. When they are happy, the system will function smoothly. There will be reduction of crime; development will come at the end of the day with little effort.”

Earlier, Ebie had said towards holding the inaugural board meeting, the board felt it was proper to visit the governor to pledge their willingness to partner his administration as they start off rendering effective service to the people.
  
He assured him that under the new board, NDDC would work to ensure that its development projects are products of needs assessment in order to eliminate duplication of projects.