President Muhammadu Buhari says the collaboration between the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will strengthen government’s efforts in building a new and better Niger Delta region.
President Buhari, represented by Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, in a two-day top management retreat at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He noted that the partnership was imperative towards realizing government’s mission of improving the living conditions of the Niger Deltans and the Region.
“This retreat would serve as a veritable platform that will provide a unique opportunity to correct whatever irregularities had existed in the past and thereby attain an effective and prosperous working relationship that will be for the best interest of the Niger Delta region and Nation at large.” President Buhari declared
President Buhari said that the Federal Government has made huge commitment in the Niger Delta region, taking proactive steps to adopting and implementing more prudent policies and programmes that will bring about a better region.
The president applauded the efforts of the ministry to reposition the NDDC to ensure it deliver on its mandate.
President said that the implementation of the forensic audit report has commenced in phases and would soon usher in a new management and board for the NDDC.
Acknowledging the importance of the ongoing East-West road project to the nation’s economy, President Buhari reassured the region that the project would be completed before the end of the present administration.
In an address of welcome, Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Umana Okon Umana, explained that the Ministry requires coordination among the agencies, development partners and other stakeholders to achieve its mandate of developing and transforming the region.
Mr Umana said that the ministry would prioritize the projects execution and focusing on impactful projects in the area of security, health, education, water, roads and other sectors that will address the basic needs of the people of the area.
He expressed optimism that the retreat will bring about the repositioning of NDDC to work amicably with the ministry to promote team work and build better understanding between the organizations.
The Minister of State of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Sharon Ikeazor, applauded the key stakeholders for their unwavering commitment and support towards up lifting the quality of life in the region.
RN
