Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has sought a strategic partnership with the United Nations, UN, to tackle environmental degradation and accelerate socio-economic development in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Leading a delegation of the Commission’s executive management to the UN regional office in Abuja, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the need for global collaboration to address the Niger Delta region’s challenges.
He specifically called for technical support and expert services from the UN and its agencies in areas such as renewable energy, environmental restoration, clean water, healthcare, education, and food security.
“We cannot develop the Niger Delta alone. The state governments and the NDDC have made efforts, but we need international reach and collaboration, and the United Nations remains a trusted partner in sustainable development,” he said.
One of the key proposals tabled by the NDDC boss was the deployment of solar mini grids to provide reliable and affordable energy to rural communities. He noted that this would not only improve household access to electricity but also boost local commerce.
“Beyond solar streetlights, we want to explore the possibility of providing solar mini grids for homes across the Niger Delta. This will enhance productivity, drive local businesses, and ultimately improve livelihoods,” Ogbuku stated.
The NDDC also appealed for support in reversing decades of ecological damage caused by oil exploration.
Ogbuku said, “We seek collaboration with the UN to reforest the mangrove swamps, which have been devastated by environmental degradation. Reforestation is not just about trees — it is about restoring the ecosystem and protecting the future.”
Highlighting the Commission’s commitment to sustainability, he added: “We also want to partner with the UN to provide portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar generators. It is critical that our communities get access to clean water and reliable energy.”
Responding, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, welcomed the collaboration and pledged the UN’s support for the region’s transformation.
“We want to look at the Niger Delta in the context of accelerated development, not just through the lens of pollution. This region has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy and deserves focused development interventions,” Fall stated.
He outlined the UN’s six transition partnership policies, which include food security, job creation, renewable energy, education, access to health, and digital inclusion — all of which align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
“These areas are not an end in themselves; they are entry points for us. Our vision is broader, and through the SDGs, we can touch different aspects of the lives of people in the Niger Delta,” he added.
He assured that the UN will deepen its engagement with the NDDC to drive inclusive growth and environmental recovery in the region.
