Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Government has dismissed claims that the position of Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is vacant, warning against distractions and political manoeuvring over the role.
Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, issued the clarification on Wednesday while inaugurating the South East Development Commission and the North West Development Commission boards.
He cautioned against “detractors causing unnecessary distractions and peddling rumours” aimed at destabilising the commission.
“The NDDC board, as constituted, is in place to deliver on its mandate and does not need to be disbanded,” Momoh stated.
Addressing concerns over the tenure of the current MD, Samuel Ogbuku, he explained that his appointment was renewed for another four years from October 2023 by President Bola Tinubu.
“For those clamouring that the MD should go, if you want a replacement, meet the President. He is the only one who can make that decision, and Mr. President has not said so,” the minister said.
Momoh also clarified the leadership rotation among Niger Delta states, stating that after Bayelsa completes its term, Edo State is next in line.
“Some believe that removing the MD means Delta State will produce the next one. That’s wrong,” he said.
“The Managing Director position rotates among the nine states based on oil production levels. Delta has had its turn. After Bayelsa, it is Edo, followed by Ondo, Imo, and Abia.”
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He further explained that, unlike the MD position, which follows oil production rankings, the NDDC chairmanship rotates alphabetically among the Niger Delta states.
Urging political actors to allow the current board to focus on its mandate, Momoh commended President Tinubu’s leadership in establishing regional development commissions to bridge economic gaps.
He also praised the National Assembly for passing the bills that created the commissions, stressing their role in addressing the developmental needs of the South East and North West regions.