19 December 2012, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt – Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Christian Oboh, has advocated a review of the Act establishing the commission, with a view to granting the Commission leverage to effectively address developmental challenges in the region.
Dr. Oboh was speaking in Port Harcourt during a courtesy call on him by the National Executive of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.
The Managing Director told the Mr Okey Wali, SAN, led executive that the call was hinged on the desire to create flexibility and enhance the commission’s interventionist status.
“Some sections of the Act are cumbersome, it should be proactive and tailored towards strengthening our interventionist status to ensure quick response to challenges,” he said.
Oboh announced that the board has commenced the process of reviewing the Niger Delta Development Master Plan in line with current development realities in the region.
The NDDC boss said the commission will partner other agencies and organizations, especially the NBA in view of its key role in economic reform, governance and development process.
“Law is a very important tool in development and social engineering; we want to play by the rules and ensure that all we do here have the backing of the law”.
NBA President, Mr Wali, had assured the Managing Director that the association will support the commission’s quest for a review of the NDDC Act, as well as the Niger Delta Development Master Plan.
Commending the board and management for its efforts so far, he solicited the support of the commission for a summit on peace and security scheduled for 2013.