Activists, Youth Group Demands Overhaul of NDDC Management

Musa Adamu

ABUJA, Dec 2 – A prominent Nigerian civil rights activist, Luka Binniyat, on Sunday called on the federal government to monitor and reassess the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Binnyat made this remark to journalists in Abuja on December 1st, 2024. while receiving delegates from the Unemployed Youth Association of Nigeria.

He noted that the Niger Delta region just like the Middle south-south have suffered long enough from marginalization and underdevelopment leading to the creation of the NDDC and so it is important for the Commission to perform its statutory role .

“I am urging the NDDC managing to as a matter of urgency do what it needs to be done by creating more jobs, stimulating the economy of the Niger Delta and carrying the Youths along .

“Everyday, we read in the news from the Youths about the high rate of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta region and I asked myself what is the NDDC doing .

“That is why I am calling on the Federal Government to reassess the activities of the commission and reprioritize Youths development goals

The Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria has criticized the commission, established in 2000 to develop the oil-rich Niger Delta region, had failed to deliver on its mandates despite receiving over 6 trillion naira ($14.7 billion) since its inception.

According to the Nigerian Delta State Coordinator for the UYAN, Comrade Gbenga Fajoye,

“The NDDC has been plagued by corruption, mismanagement and abandonment of projects since it’s inception

“It is imperative that the federal government takes decisive action to ensure the commission operates transparently and effectively.”

Fajoye expressed disappointment with the current Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sam Ogbuku stating that he has fallen short of expectations. Specifically, Fajoye noted that the Managing Director has failed to create job opportunities and stimulate a conducive environment for the development of the Niger Delta region.

“I am in sync with my colleagues from Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and other areas that the NDDC has performed below par,” Fajoye said. “He has failed to carry the Niger Delta Youths along, he has not really created employment opportunities nor generated any meaningful development for the Nigerian Delta region.”

The Rivers State coordinator for the Unemployed Youth Association of Nigeria (UYAN), Comrade Osaruchi Rosamund Idumesaro emphasized the need for fresh perspectives and new leadership in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“The current Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Sam Ogbuku  is from Bayelsa and he has spent his four years” Comrade osaruchi Rosamund Idumesaro noted, highlighting the need for change.

She appealed to the Federal Government, saying, “I am appealing to the Federal Government to allow a sound technocrat and administrator from another state to come on board as the MD and inject new ideas.”

Comrade Osaruchi Rosamund Idumesaro stressed the importance of fairness and equity, stating, “We want to move forward and we want equity and fairness, let the MD position be rotated to another state.”

The Bayelsa state coordinator, Comrade Amadoma God-help, has announced that the group is consulting with human rights activists, civil society groups, and other related youth groups to stage a mass protest in Abuja and Port Harcourt. This move is aimed at pushing for their previously stated demands to be met.

“At this stage, we are still consulting as we are in talks with youth groups and civil society groups around the country. Then we shall proceed to the National Assembly with our demands,” the coordinator said.

He emphasized that failure to consider their demands would lead to mass action on the streets of Abuja and Port Harcourt.