NDDC partners army on infrastructural development

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has declared its readiness to partner with the Nigeria Army and support the newly established 6 Division of the Army, with headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

NDDC Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere, made the declaration when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Enibonh Udoh, in his office, on Tuesday.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Mr Toye Abosede and made available to Tribune Online.

Referring to the partnership as bonding, he said, “We will look at a plan that covers a five year period in which the NDCC will partner with the Army to develop infrastructure for the new division.”

Ekere noted that it was in the interest of both parties to ensure that the partnership worked not just for the mutual benefit of NDDC and the Nigerian Army, but also for the long term benefit of Nigerians.

He commended the 6 Division leadership for its contributions to the improved security in the Niger Delta region, adding, “There is need for more collaboration and interface between the Nigeria Army and the Commission for the sake of the Niger Delta region.”

“We will set up a team to look at your areas of need to see where we can intervene immediately and others that we can deal with in the years ahead.”

The NDDC boss noted that the Board of the commission was focused on implementing the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan through its new strategy of enhanced service delivery.

He said the new strategy was anchored on the 4-R initiative meant to: “Restructure the balance sheet, Reform the governance protocols, Restore our core mandate and Reaffirm our collective commitment to doing what is right and proper.”

He commended the GOC for achieving so much in a very short time since he assumed duties in Port Harcourt, saying, “You have done a lot already, turning the barracks into a construction site. These are commendable efforts.”

In his remarks, the GOC 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Major General Udoh solicited more support from NDDC, noting that the Division, which was established eight months ago, needed support to provide adequate infrastructure for its officers and men as well as support its operations which cover the four States of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta.

“I am here to solicit your support in developing our infrastructure. I request the NDDC management to undertake a tour of the 6 Division’s Headquarters. We are working on providing transit accommodation. There are still more to be done.”

“We, therefore, ask for a deliberate partnership with the NDDC. We are mandated to fight the threats to security to ensure that there is peace for developmental activities,” he said.