The Minister of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Abubakar Momoh, issued a warning to the newly inaugurated board members, urging them to avoid underperformance during their tenure.
Momoh conveyed this caution on Thursday in Port Harcourt during the board’s inauguration.
This information was disclosed by Mr. Pius Ughakpoten, the Director of Corporate Affairs at the commission, in a statement issued to the press.
The statement cited the minister as challenging the new board members to alter the narrative surrounding the commission.
Momoh emphasized that the government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has a performance measurement template, and any board falling short of expectations would be replaced.
“It is also necessary for you to know that this administration is quite different from others because there is going to be a lot of supervision and monitoring for us to deliver.”
“As you are aware, two weeks ago, myself, as a minister, and the Permanent Secretary signed the performance bond with the President.”
“And the performance bond that we signed has deliverables that are associated with the eight presidential priorities,” he said.
The minister additionally stated that board members would be required to sign a performance bond similar to ministers.
However, he mentioned that the bond signing would take place during an upcoming retreat for both the board members and management team.m.
“So, it’s very, very important because the president is not joking with this and, from time to time, we are expected to present our reports.”
“And there is also a committee that will be set up by the president to monitor the performance of each ministry and agencies.”
“So, I think I want this one to be behind your mind so that as you start your work, you know exactly what is expected from you.”
“I want to also use this opportunity to appeal that this time around, we need to change the narratives,” he said.
Momoh urged the board to prioritize the completion of abandoned projects scattered across the nine states of the region. He appealed to the new management to settle the commission’s debts to contractors, especially local contractors, with a sum not exceeding N30 million.
He advised board members to take responsibility for the development of the region, emphasizing that their shared origin in the Niger Delta should make regional progress their top priority.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the board, Mr. Chinedu Ebie, advocated for collaboration among all stakeholders to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration for Nigeria, with a specific focus on the region.
Ebie stated that the commission intends to work closely with key stakeholders in the region to accomplish greater strides in the development process.
“We will execute legacy projects based on detailed needs assessment and seek strategic collaboration with opinion leaders, community leaders, professionals, and development partners,” he said.
He further emphasized that the board’s commitment includes prioritizing effective communication with stakeholders throughout their responsibilities. This approach aims to build trust, enhance transparency, and uphold accountability for the benefit of the region and Nigeria as a whole.
“We will look back at the vision and history of NDDC’s 23-year existential journey, aligning it with current realities and the objectives of the current administration.
“This approach will illuminate the yearning needs of the people of the region, identify the commission’s challenges, and proffer workable solutions.
“We acknowledge the genuine endeavors of our predecessors, who, at various times, worked toward the development of the region through infrastructure and human capital development,” Ebie said.
He sought the support and positive sentiments of stakeholders and the people of Niger Delta to facilitate the ushering in of a new era characterized by vitality, hope, peace, and sustainable development for the region.