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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is set to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Development Partners to fast track the Commission’s potential for accountability, economic development and social responsibility. This is one of the giant strides taken by the newly appointed MD/CEO, Nsima Ekere to set the Commission on a new path towards changing the current narrative of the Niger Delta region.
According to information made available by the NDDC through its official twitter handle, @NDDCofficial, discussion has begun with some NGOs which includes but not limited to; Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), Facility for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform in Nigeria (FOSTER), Market Development in the Niger Delta (MADE), BUDGIT, Open Government Partnership (OGP), Strengthening Advocacy for Civil Engagement (SACE), and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
Furthermore, the Commission also informed the general public that the MoUs are currently being prepared for signing by the various organizations in the coming week.
You will recall that Nsima Ekere formally took over the leadership of the NDDC in November, 2016 and outlined a new bold plan for the commission which he described as the 4Rs initiative; to Restructure the balance sheet; Reform the governance protocols, Restore NDDC’s core mandate, and Reaffirm the Commission’s collective commitment to do what is right and proper.
This partnership comes at a critical time for the region and the country as a whole, following the current economic recession and reduced revenues resulting from the combined effect of decline in global oil prices, and the crippling economic sabotage of Nigeria’s oil production activities.
The NDDC, at this time, will have to devise new, innovative and more efficient ways of doing things. The Commission will find new partners to help execute its mandate for the Niger Delta and strengthen existing relationships to ensure that all stakeholders are working towards a common goal and promote the peace that is necessary for the development of the region.
This is what makes this partnership a major milestone for the Ekere-led administration as he works towards delivering a new NDDC for the people of the region.
