Mkpoikana Udoma
Speaking in Port Harcourt during a courtesy call by the NLNG, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, recalled that the Commission had adopted Public-Private Partnership, PPP, as its core policy to drive the development of the region.
Ogbuku said the PPP model was imperative in order to provide alternative sources of funding for key development projects and programmes of the Commission.
He said: “We have received a copy of your proposed Memorandum of Understanding and we are looking at it. We will look at the details of your MoU. We believe that development is the practical tool for maintaining peace in the Niger Delta region.
“We know that partnerships are one of the major ways to achieve the development of the Niger Delta region. One of our successful partnerships is the partnership between the NDDC and the Shell Petroleum Development Company to build the Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State.”
The NDDC boss explained that the 29-kilometre road constructed by Shell in Bayelsa State stood out as an example of what could be achieved through partnerships.
He commended the management of the NLNG for reaching out to collaborate with the Commission.
“What is paramount to us is that the NLNG is keen to partner with the NDDC to develop the Niger Delta region. We want partnerships that will bring prosperity to the people of the Niger Delta region,” the NDDC boss stated.
Earlier, NLNG General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr Andy Odey, noted that development of the Niger Delta region was key to its operations in the region which has been on for over two decades.
“Part of building Nigeria is through partnerships. We are happy that such an opportunity has presented itself to us today. We pride ourselves in working towards sustainable development.”
“We believe that development cannot happen alone through government. The best way for development to happen is through partnerships,” Odeh said.
