Arab-NDDC partnership aimed at developing the Niger delta

The United Arab Emirates and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have reached an agreement to establish a joint committee aimed at creating a partnership framework to support development initiatives in the Niger Delta region.

This agreement follows a recent meeting at the UAE Embassy in Abuja, where UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Al-Shamsi, met with a delegation from the NDDC led by its managing director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. The NDDC team also included the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Iyaye, and Executive Director of Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde, among other directors.

Ambassador Al-Shamsi expressed his readiness to collaborate with the NDDC in areas such as information and communication technology, education, health, agriculture, and youth development, emphasizing the potential for joint efforts. He praised the NDDC’s development initiatives and indicated the UAE’s willingness to support the Commission in executing more projects.

Al-Shamsi remarked, “We are pleased with this visit and the chance to explore areas for cooperation. We value the strong relationship between the UAE and Nigeria.” He also noted the normalization of relations, highlighting the resumption of Emirates Airline operations between Lagos and Dubai.

Dr. Ogbuku briefed the UAE team on NDDC’s activities and achievements, specifically seeking collaboration to enhance the NDDC’s health interventions in the Niger Delta. He requested assistance in equipping the Commission’s Regional Specialist Cardiovascular and Orthopedic Hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Ogbuku emphasized the importance of expanding NDDC’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives and welcomed the opportunity for collaboration in health, education, and the oil and gas sectors.