NDDC advocates for Niger Delta economic diversification

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is advocating for the diversification of the Niger Delta economy to reduce long-term dependence on oil. Speaking at the Nigeria Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku emphasized the need for investment in sustainable sectors, specifically identifying agriculture as a key area to strengthen food security and create employment for women and youth.

Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the importance of data in resource control, stating that accurate information regarding the region's production is essential for determining its entitlements. He noted, “If we do not control the data, we do not know what we produce; we do not know what is to come to us.”

The Commission is also focusing on environmental remediation and institutional reforms. According to the NDDC legal team, the organization is transitioning from “transaction to transformation” through digitalization and sustainable development projects, such as solar street-lighting initiatives.