The request to remove the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, from the Treasury Single Account policy of the Federal government was made during the Board and Management Retreat held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the NDDC, emphasized the need for flexibility in financial management to address the region’s urgent development needs. He stated that operating under the TSA framework limits the commission’s autonomy and ability to make timely and flexible financial decisions to facilitate development projects.
Ogbuku advocated for the removal of NDDC from the TSA framework, highlighting the potential benefits of increased autonomy in financial management. He emphasized that such a move could expedite approval and disbursement processes, allowing the NDDC to implement projects more efficiently and meet the region’s urgent development requirements. The NDDC is tasked with addressing specific and urgent development needs in the Niger Delta region, and Ogbuku stressed that timely and flexible financial decision-making is crucial to effectively respond to dynamic regional challenges.
Furthermore, the MD sought collaboration with the federal government and urged for the commission to operate within a responsible, tailored financial framework to deliver results faster and more efficiently. Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, emphasized the importance of a strong relationship between the Chairman of the Commission and the Ministry, based on the assigned deliverables to the NDDC. He also encouraged the Commission to engage more with various State Governments and Communities to earn their trust, avoid duplication of projects, and make a greater impact.
The Chairman of the NDDC board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, expressed that the retreat reflected President Tinubu’s vision to transform the Niger Delta into a zone of peace and development.