Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has charged the management and staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to remain diligent and value-driven in carrying out their duties to achieve better results.

Momoh noted that the Niger Delta has recorded notable progress in the past two years under the current administration, but stressed the need to work harder to consolidate these gains.

He gave the charge during an interactive meeting on Friday between the ministry, NDDC executive management, and staff at the Commission’s Event Centre in Port Harcourt.

“In the past two years, significant developments have taken place in the Niger Delta region, and this is because of the hard work of the management and staff of the NDDC. We have come to give you hope and encouragement to do more,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that the success of the NDDC translates to the success of the Ministry of Regional Development, highlighting the importance of leadership and teamwork.

“For an organisation to excel, its leadership must show the way, and the people behind them must be ready to cooperate,” he added.

The Minister, who was in Rivers State for a two-day working visit, also commended the Commission for successfully marking its 25th anniversary and urged staff to sustain efforts to improve project and service delivery.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, urged NDDC staff to enhance their skills, especially in the digital and technology space.

“I am glad that you are getting your PhDs, but I am sure you are also improving your digital skills because the world is evolving,” she said, describing the staff as “the engine room of the Commission’s successes.”

Earlier, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the presidential mandate to transform the Niger Delta, pledging strict adherence to the directive to complete all ongoing regional projects. He said the NDDC’s performance is now a reference point in the country.

Ogbuku recalled that in the past, some staff wished to be transferred to other Federal Government agencies due to poor working conditions, but the situation has changed.

“Today, we have a new identity, which is one of the key indicators of success and performance. NDDC is now one of the best-performing agencies in the country. The difference is good leadership combined with loyal and dedicated staff,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the staff, Chairman of the NDDC Staff Union, John Achoreturi, appealed to the Minister to support the Commission in securing adequate funding for development projects in the region.