Allow-NDDC-Board-to-Complete-Statutory-Tenure – Ndoma-Egba

Allow NDDC Board to Complete Statutory Tenure – Ndoma-Egba

Dave Ikiedei Asei.                                  February 18th, 2025

The Importance of Leadership Continuity in NDDC

Speaking at a two-day Board and Management Retreat in Lagos, former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, emphasized the need for the federal government to ensure that NDDC board members complete their statutory tenure. He argued that stability in leadership was crucial for the successful completion of projects and the effectiveness of the intervention agency in addressing the challenges of the Niger Delta region.

Ndoma-Egba referenced Section 3 of the NDDC Act, which stipulates that board members are appointed for a four-year tenure, renewable for another four years. He stressed that the law’s framers recognized the need for stability, understanding that disruptions in leadership could negatively impact ongoing programs and long-term plans.

Reviewing the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan

Beyond tenure stability, Ndoma-Egba advocated for a comprehensive review of the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan. He called for the involvement of all key stakeholders, particularly state governments, in shaping the roadmap for the region’s development. According to him, ensuring collective ownership of the plan would enhance its implementation and effectiveness.

The Need for Stakeholder Collaboration

Echoing similar sentiments, NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, underscored the importance of collaboration between the commission and regional stakeholders. He pointed out that stability in leadership would foster long-term strategic planning, ensuring consistency in policies and their execution.

Antai lamented the frequent leadership changes that had plagued the commission, leading to policy inconsistencies that hindered regional development. “Most board and management teams have not completed their tenures, and this has led to consistent policy somersaults at the region’s expense,” he stated. He emphasized that NDDC’s challenges should not be left solely to the government but should involve all stakeholders working together for sustainable development.

Advocating for Good Governance and Transparency

During the retreat, a partner at KPMG Nigeria, Mr. Tolu Odukale, called for the NDDC to adopt strong corporate governance principles. He highlighted the need for transparency and adherence to best practices, stressing that stakeholders in the region had high expectations for transformation. “The commission should continuously imbibe openness and transparency, which, in turn, build confidence in decisions made by the board members,” he advised.

NDDC Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Mr. Davies Okarevu, reinforced the importance of continuity in leadership for sustained project implementation. He acknowledged that the NDDC had made significant progress in meeting the needs of the people and should be supported with more funding and an enabling environment to continue its work.

Why Allowing the NDDC Managing Director to Complete His Tenure is Essential

Ensuring that the Managing Director (MD) of the NDDC completes his tenure is critical for the agency’s success. Frequent leadership changes have historically disrupted project implementation, stalled strategic initiatives, and resulted in financial inefficiencies. Stability allows for long-term planning, effective policy execution, and accountability in delivering results.

Additionally, a consistent leadership structure enables the MD to establish meaningful partnerships, drive reforms, and maintain policy direction. It also enhances investor and stakeholder confidence, ensuring that projects initiated under one administration are completed without unnecessary setbacks.

Positive Impacts of Ensuring Tenure Completion

  1. Efficient Project Execution – With uninterrupted leadership, projects will be completed as planned without delays caused by frequent administrative changes.
  2. Strategic Long-Term Planning – Stability fosters a well-structured approach to regional development, preventing abrupt shifts in focus.
  3. Reduced Policy Inconsistencies – Completing tenures minimizes disruptions caused by policy reversals, ensuring continuity in governance.
  4. Stakeholder Confidence – A stable leadership structure reassures development partners, investors, and local communities about the agency’s commitment to its mandate.
  5. Increased Productivity – The MD and board members can work without the fear of abrupt removal, allowing them to focus on achieving results rather than navigating leadership uncertainties.

By implementing these recommendations, the NDDC can achieve its vision of transforming the Niger Delta and improving the lives of its people through sustainable development initiatives











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