NDDC tasks stakeholders on implementation of regional masterplan

Soji Ajibola, Yenagoa - 12.02.2008

The Niger Delta De- velopment Commis- sion (NDDC) has tasked all stakeholders on the implementation of the Niger Delta Regional Development Masterplan to provide adequate funds and mobilisation.

The Managing Director of the commission, Mr. Ndutimi Alaibe, said this in his presentation entitled: “The Niger Delta Region and the Challenges of Sustainable Development” at the just-concluded two-day retreat for the South South parliamentary caucus of the House of Representatives.

He stressed the need for collaboration of all the stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly. Mr. Alaibe said it was vital for the stakeholders to develop a greater capacity for collaboration, demonstrate transparency, accountability and resource optimisation in governance.

The NDDC boss said it was only through good governance that the challenges facing the region could be resolved, adding that ”the people must be the bedrock of our work and public service must be viewed as a critical vehicle to truly serve the people.”

He said there was cooperation between the respective states in the region and the NDDC, adding that the masterplan for the region was used as framework for the states’ 2008 budget.

According to him, ”there is now unprecedented cooperation and coordination of development activities on the platform of masterplan, paving the way for synergy and a reduction in duplication of efforts and wastage of scarce resources. The stage is now set for accelerated development,” he added.