House to Screen Presidential Nominees to Board, Management of NDDC Thursday

•Commission, NLNG collaborate on sustainable development of Niger Delta region

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The House of Representatives would tomorrow, screen presidential nominees to the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

This comes just as the NDDC and Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in ensuring the delivery of sustainable development projects in the region.

The Spokesman of the House, Hon. Akin Rotimi and Chairperson, House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, in a statement jointly signed yesterday, said this followed a letter of request from the Presidency to the House which was read on the floor of the Green Chamber by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary.

Tthe Senate had screened and cleared the nominees on October 4, 2023.

The statement added that the move by the House complements the legislative action by the Senate, and was in pursuant of Sections 2 (2) (a) of the NDDC Act (2000), which prescribes that the presidential nominees must be screened and approved by the Senate in consultation with the House of Representatives.

The nominees to screened as contained in the letter from the President are: Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman (Delta); Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director/CEO (Bayelsa); Mr. Boma Iyaye, ED, Finance & Admin (Rivers); Mr. Victor Antai, ED, Projects (Akwa Ibom); Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, ED, Corporate Services (Ondo); Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa (Bayelsa); Mr. Abasi Ndikan Nkono (Akwa Ibom); Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya (Delta); Chief Tony Okocha State (Rivers); and Hon. Patrick Aisowieren (Edo).

Others are:  Mr. Kyrian Uchegbu State (Imo); Hon. Otitio Atikase (Ondo); Chief Dimgba Eruba (Abia); Rt. Hon Orok Otu Duke (Cross River); Hon. Nick Wende (North Central); Hon. Namdas Abdulrazak (North East); and Senator Dr. Ibrahim Gobir (North West).

It said the House was thus working in concert with the Senate to fulfil the provisions of the extant law.

The statement noted that the House has set up an ad-hoc committee to conduct the screening of the nominees.

The members of the committees are: Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (House Leader), Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims (Deputy Leader), Hon. Kingsley Chinda (Minority Leader), Hon. Ali Isa (Deputy Minority Leader), Hon Usman Bello Kumo (Chief Whip), Hon. Oriyomi Onanuga (Deputy Chief Whip), Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu (Chairperson, House Committee on NDDC) and Hon. Jafaru Leko (Deputy Chairman, House Committee on NDDC).

Meanwhile, the NDDC and Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in ensuring the delivery of sustainable development projects in the region.

In the MoU, the two organisations agreed to partner to empower communities in the region, promote local content and capacity development, and work with stakeholders along the value chain to deliver sustainable development projects effectively.

Present at the signing ceremony of the MoU held at NLNG’s Corporate Head Office in Port Harcourt, were the Managing Director of NLNG, Dr Philip Mshelbila, NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and other executives from both organisations.

Mshelbila, in his remarks, stated that through the partnership with NDDC, NLNG aspires to set a precedent for how such collaborations can drive positive change in the Niger Delta region.

He said NLNG’s goal was to replicate the success of its projects and initiatives across the Niger Delta, working closely with NDDC to maximise the impact of collective efforts. He stated that the goal aligns with its vision of helping to build a better Nigeria.

“Today, we are proud to formalise our partnership with NDDC, an organisation empowered to deliver development projects in this vital region of our nation. “At Nigeria LNG, our journey has always been guided by a commitment to seek strategic partners in sustainable development.

“This commitment is deeply rooted in our core values and principles, and it drives us to continuously explore innovative avenues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.

“Our partnership with NDDC is evidence of this commitment.

“Our dedication to the sustainable development of our host communities in health, education, economic development, and infrastructural development remains unwavering. “We understand that our success is linked to the well-being and prosperity of the communities in which we operate. “

In his remarks, Ogbuku, stated that the pact demonstrated unity towards sustainable development and progress in Nigeria. He noted that the MoU heralds a new era of collaboration for the betterment of the Niger Delta region and the nation.

 “While the NDDC and NLNG each have unique missions, their common goals emphasizes sustainable development, socio-economic empowerment, local content promotion, capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration.

“This alliance represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey towards progress and prosperity.

“It is a testament to the power of unified action in addressing the complex challenges faced by the Niger Delta region and the nation.

“The NDDC and NLNG are poised to create a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for Nigeria and its people,” he added.

According to him, the NLNG was recognised as a significant player in the global LNG industry, committed to conducting its operations with environmental responsibility and contributing to monetising Nigeria’s invaluable natural resources.

“Similarly, the NDDC is committed to promoting sustainable development within the Niger Delta, focusing on the delicate balance between economic growth, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of local communities,” he stated.

 According to Ogbuku, the NDDC was dedicated to uplifting the Niger Delta region through targeted initiatives to enhance livelihoods, education, healthcare, and socio-economic conditions.

As outlined in the MoU, the agreement would promote harmonious relationships between the two organisations as an enabler for achieving a common goal of facilitating the sustainable and continuous development of the Niger Delta region through investment in development projects that will maintain peace and security in the region.