NDDC HOLDS CAPACITY BUILDING FOR STAKEHOLDERS IN THE REGION, CALLS FOR COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP AND PROTECTION OF NDDC PROJECTS ...Lament vandalism of public projects.

 By  Ayoyinka Jegede 

Uyo.

In a bid to  deepen  awareness,  encourage  a sense of shared responsibility,  and promote a culture of ownership that ensures every completed project undertaken  by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)  in the region are protected , maintained , and optimised for present and future generations,  the Corporate  Affairs Directorate of Commission, has organised  a One-Day engagement and capacity building for stakeholders within the Niger Delta, calling for  protection and ownership of NDDC projects in communities by all stakeholders.

The stakeholders meeting with the theme " Capacity Building Engagement Community Ownership and Protection of NDDC Projects  for Niger Delta Stakeholders ' held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital stressed on the need for communities and stakeholders across its mandate states to take active ownership and responsibility for safeguarding development projects and public infrastructure within their domains.

In his message, the Executive Director , Corporate Services (EDCS)  of  NDDC 

 Hon Ifedayo Abegunde, urged communities in the Niger Delta Region to protect and take ownership of critical infrastructure provided for them by the commission  to prevent vandalism.

Abegunde, explained that for over two decades  NDDC has remained steadfast in its mandate to facilitate the  sustainable development of the region through the provision of critical infrastructure such as roads,  bridges, schools,  health facilities,  water schemes,  solar street lights  as well as youth empowerment and capacity-building initiatives. He added that the commission  consistently sought to address the socio-economic and environmental challenges   confronting the oil producing  communities with projects interventions  that represent long- term investments designed to expand opportunities, reduce poverty,  stimulate local economies,  and foster peace and stability. 

He  however, lamented  that the commission has observed instances where vandalism, theft, neglect, and insufficient community engagement have compromised valuable assets intended to improve collective well-being, adding that such setbacks not only delay progress but also diminish the returns on resources committed for the benefit of the people.

The executive director said it is in recognition of this that the commission convened the  meeting  with all stakeholders such as : Traditional Rulers, Religious  Leaders , Community Development Associations (CDAs), Men/ Women/Youth groups, security actors State and Non-State Actors) , Government Agencies  and instittutions,  CSOs and NGOs and others  to raise awareness, encourage a sense of shared responsibility, and foster a culture of ownership that ensures every completed project is protected, maintained, and optimised for present and future generations.

His words "Infrastructure  alone does not guarantee development. The true measurr of impact lies in sustainability. It is in recognition of this reality that we have convened this campaign . Our objective is to encourage a sense of shared responsibility, and promote a culture of ownership that ensures every completed project is protected. "

Abegunde,  urged all stakeholders to  re-affirm their commitment to  collectively safeguard the shared assets, as well as build a culture  where every  installed solar streetlight, roads, every classrooms,  every  health care facility,  and every  empowerment initiative is valued and protected as a common heritage. 

On his part,  NDDC  State Director  in Akwa Ibom State, Engr. Evong Moduck Evong called on communities to take greater ownership of development projects executed by the Commission in their areas.

He stressed that the sustainability of development projects depends largely on the commitment of host communities.

According to him, community ownership goes beyond simply using public infrastructure

Engr. Evong assured stakeholders that the Commission, under the leadership of Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, remains committed to deepening development impact across the Niger Delta.

“The current management of the NDDC is firmly committed to moving the Commission from transaction to transformation,” he stated.

Responding to concerns raised by participants that some NDDC projects may not reflect community priorities, the State Director clarified that projects are largely informed by community needs assessments and stakeholder inputs.

He explained that communities regularly submit requests for projects and that the Commission also conducts needs assessments before projects are incorporated into the NDDC budget and forwarded to the National Assembly of Nigeria for approval.

“Our office receives numerous letters from communities requesting projects. These inputs, along with needs assessments, guide the budgeting process before submission to the National Assembly.”

Addressing another concern that NDDC does not award contracts to local contractors or engage local labour, Engr. Evong described the claim as a misconception.

“Most contractors handling NDDC projects are from the Niger Delta region, and they are required to engage local artisans and labour, except where the required technical skills are not available within the community.”

He further explained that every NDDC project begins with a formal site handover ceremony, during which the contractor is introduced to community leaders and stakeholders, while the scope and expectations of the project are clearly outlined.

The State Director urged community stakeholders to avoid spreading misinformation about the Commission’s project management processes and instead work collaboratively with the NDDC to safeguard development assets.

“When communities protect and take ownership of these projects, they ensure that the benefits of development are sustained for present and future generations,” he added.

In his presentation,  Dr. Carol  Bichene Ebuta titled   revealed  that 13,000 out of  19,421 

 projects executed by NDDC in Niger Delta have been vandalised/stolen .

Both the village head of Atan Offot, and  Vice Chairman Offot Ukwa Traditional Rulers Council, Uyo LGA, His Highness (Eteidung) Idongesit A. Ekong and the Senior  Special  Assistant  to Governor Umo Eno on NDDC Apostle Samuel  Ekah commended the NDDC  for the laudable stakeholders meeting  which instill  culture of  collective ownership  of NDDC projects in all  stakeholders with emphasis on members of the  communities.