Leadership tussle slows down development in the Niger delta _ Diri

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has stated that internal conflicts within the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have impeded development in the Niger Delta region.

During a visit by NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and his team, Diri urged the agency to engage with state governments before initiating projects. He stressed that the NDDC, as an interventionist agency, should work alongside state governments to avoid redundant efforts and improve coordination. The governor pointed out that, under the NDDC Act, governors are meant to be part of the commission’s advisory committee, but this has not been implemented for the past five years, leading to disjointed projects across the region.

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Diri called for better cooperation and mutual respect between the NDDC and state governments to accelerate development in the region. Dr. Ogbuku, on his part, stated that the NDDC team was in Bayelsa to review ongoing projects and flood relief efforts, including collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to build shelters for flood victims in Otuoke and Odi, as well as efforts to channel the Okarki-Otuabagi area of Kolo Creek to reduce future flood risks.