FG to harmonize development plans in Niger Delta region

The federal government is currently tinkering with the idea to harmonise all the development plans in the Niger Delta region. 

A committee has been put in place to work out the modalities that will see the Ministry of Niger Delta Development (MNDD) and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) development plans collapsed into a single regional development plan.

The ultimate plan is to fast-tracking development in the Niger Delta Region.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Development (MNDD), Dr. Shuaib Belgore, was quoted to have disclosed this in a statement issued by the ministry. 

According to the statement, Belgore said: “The Harmonization of the existing Development Plans in the Niger Delta Region was one of the Ten (10) Deliverables the President gave to the Ministry for implementation in the year 2024-2027.

“We know the year is just starting and it is better we strategically plan our activities towards meeting set objectives that we can all be proud of at the end of the year.

“Dr. Belgore recalled that before the Presidential charge, the Ministry was operating the Niger Delta Action Plan, and the NDDC, the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan, with other Plans of State Governments and International Oil Companies (IOCs) existing in the Region.

“He pointed out that the staggered development plans have been said to be largely responsible for the lack of coordinated development in the Niger Delta Region, as everyone works in a sitting.

“According to the Permanent Secretary, as a result of this, the Federal Government is planning on the need to harmonize the Plans.

 “Therefore, it has directed the Ministry to complete the process of harmonizing the Plans as it could not be attained under the previous administration.

“To achieve this initiative, I remember that a Committee was set up comprising some staff of the Ministry and NDDC. The Ministry is driving the implementation process, while NDDC is responsible for funding due to insufficient funds in the Ministry to achieve planned outcomes. The thinking resulted in the appointment and engagement of a Consultant by NDDC to ensure that the Plans are harmonized.”

Also, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, was quoted to have applauded the idea to harmonize all the Development Plans in the region.

Ogbuku added: “It is very important to the region. The directive from Mr. President is a welcome initiative that would create synergy for both the ministry and commission and not to work on the cross opposite.”