NDDC Mulls Solar Mini Grids For N/Delta
In an apparent move to confront the electricity supply needs of the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is contemplating the construction of solar mini grids for the Niger Delta.
Also, the commission will soon bring sports loving Niger Delta people together for the first of its kind Niger Delta sports festival. These were disclosed by the managing director of the NDDC, Dr Sam Ogbuku when he received leaders of t the Pan Niger Delta Development Forum, PANDEF.
Ogbuku who hinted of the readiness of the commission to inaugurate all completed projects to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the NDDC said “all abandoned projects will be revisited in line with the directive of Mr. President. The NDDC has achieved a lot, and we are proud to celebrate not just the commission but the people of the Niger Delta.”
According to him, “there have been anomalies in the past, but we are focused on the future. We agreed with KPMG to begin implementing the report’s recommendations internally and externally,” adding that that data would drive all NDDC programmes to ensure proper monitoring and equitable distribution of benefits. Regarding the Commission’s youth empowerment initiative, he confirmed that payments to registered beneficiaries would commence this month.
Ogbuku spoke of some of the major interventions undertaken by the NDDC, including the Auchi-Benin road, the Auchi-Eruwe, the Port Harcourt-Owerri and the Agbor-Uromi road which he said would soon receive attention.
“We are collaborating with Nigeria LNG (NLNG) to facilitate the construction of the Bonny Ring Road. Other major road projects are also in progress, including the Kaa-Ataba and Borokiri-Okrika roads,” he said.
PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali had hailed the commission’s leadership under Ogbuku, describing it as visionary and result-driven.
He said: “We have never seen a leadership team like this, and we thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support. Your interventions in infrastructure, particularly the Benin-Ore Road and the Light Up Niger Delta initiative, are commendable. Your youth development programmes are also making a significant impact.”
He assured the commission of PANDEF’s continued collaboration, reiterating the group’s role as the voice of the Niger Delta people in the civic space.
“We believe in working closely with you and reaffirm our support for your administration. We urge Mr. President, the governors, and other stakeholders to provide you with the necessary tools to succeed,” he said.
Responding, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transformational leadership and accountability. He stated that NDDC had engaged the globally renowned audit firm, KPMG, to review its operations, adding that the report’s recommendations would be fully implemented to enhance transparency and efficiency.
