The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently convened a collaborative meeting to strategize on aligning with various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The meeting, held at the United States Embassy in Abuja, had a specific focus on SDG 16, which emphasizes the promotion of peace, justice, and the development of strong institutions, and SDG 17, which advocates for partnerships to achieve these goals.
During the meeting, NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reiterated the organization’s determination to establish collaborative relationships and emphasize good governance. This commitment aims to bring about transformative change in the Niger Delta region while rebuilding public trust and enhancing service delivery.
Dr Ogbuku emphasised that the new management of NDDC was eager to adopt a different approach, signifying the Commission’s commitment to revitalising its image and operations. This approach aligns the Commission more closely with global sustainable development objectives.
Ogbuku informed the USAID team about several ongoing reforms and programs the Commission had embarked on, including “Project Hope,” which aims to build a comprehensive database of young people in the Niger Delta. This initiative seeks to ensure that a solid foundation is established for interventions without undue political interference.
He also briefed the team on the progress of the ongoing assessment by KPMG, which is developing a standard operating procedure (SOP) to cover all aspects of the Commission’s activities and transactions.
Ogbuku conveyed the Commission’s willingness to partner with USAID in various areas that can empower the women and youth of the region and sustain the current peaceful atmosphere in the region. He specifically mentioned areas such as agriculture, technology, climate change, and potential avenues through which the agency could explore cooperation for mutual benefit.
The Office Director of USAID, Daniel Morris, commended NDDC’s proactive efforts, emphasizing that they represented a shift from traditional practices. He expressed enthusiasm for the Commission’s renewed commitment to establishing productive partnerships.
Morris led the USAID team and thanked the NDDC Managing Director for leading efforts to challenge the negative public perception of the Commission and undertaking interventions that restore stakeholder confidence and rebuild public trust. Both teams agreed to continue working together, providing technical support and in other areas in line with the Commission’s mandate.
Melissa Desai, Deputy Office Director of the PDG program, assured that the agency would consider the suggested areas as they plan the new program to reestablish their footprint in the Niger Delta. She praised the Commission’s efforts in working in synergy with state governments to ensure adequate coordination that reduces duplication and waste.
Dr. Uche Igwe, a Partnership expert and consultant to the Commission, expressed gratitude to the USAID team for the meeting and confirmed that the interaction would continue to yield results that positively impact sustainable development in the region.
The NDDC delegation, led by Dr. Ogbuku, included the Director of Information Technology and Innovation, Engr. Emeka Ani, NDDC Consultant on Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Dr. Uche Igwe, and other directors.
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