The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining strong collaboration with security agencies to maintain peace, protect critical national assets, and accelerate development across the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, and his entourage to the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Ogbuku emphasised that security and development are inseparable, noting that meaningful development would not thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity, while underdevelopment itself often fuels insecurity.

“At the NDDC, we have established a robust working relationship with security agencies across the region because we believe that security and development are intertwined. Without security, communities cannot develop, and when communities are underdeveloped, insecurity is bound to thrive,” he said.

The Managing Director stressed that the Commission’s support for security agencies aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to ensure peace and security across the country, noting that the Niger Delta is among the most peaceful regions in Nigeria today due to sustained security efforts.

“All that we do in the Niger Delta is in line with Mr President’s mandate. Security support is a collective responsibility involving host communities, the government, and institutions like the NDDC. We will continue to support the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to enable them to carry out their duties effectively,” Ogbuku stated.

He assured the Naval Command of the Commission’s readiness to deepen engagement, adding that the NDDC would continue to provide strategic interventions to ease operational challenges faced by security agencies.

“What we have done so far is only a prelude to what is to come. We will keep the lines of communication open and undertake visits to better understand your challenges. It is not enough to sit in boardrooms; we must see realities on the ground,” he added.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim commended the NDDC for its visible and impactful interventions across the Niger Delta, describing the Commission’s projects as clear evidence of development under the current management.

“On behalf of the people of the Niger Delta, I want to thank the NDDC for what it has done in the lives of the people. Since the assumption of office of the Managing Director, we have witnessed remarkable development across the region,” he said.

The Naval Commander praised Ogbuku’s dedication and resilience, noting that his familiarisation tour across the Niger Delta revealed numerous NDDC-funded projects, including solar streetlights, inverter installations, naval base infrastructure, and the construction of a secondary school for the Nigerian Navy.

Rear Admiral Ibrahim disclosed that the Nigerian Navy recently launched "Operation Sentinel," aimed at supporting crude oil exploration, production, and transportation, in line with national economic objectives.

He noted that with plans by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, to increase crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027, sustained security collaboration would be critical.

“If this target is achieved, the NDDC will be a major beneficiary, while the people of the Niger Delta will gain directly through increased development projects. I, therefore, appeal to the Commission to sustain and expand its support to enable the Navy to strengthen its security apparatus and assist NURPC in meeting and surpassing this production target,” he said.

Rear Admiral Ibrahim also acknowledged the NDDC’s consistent support for security agencies and called for a stronger partnership to ensure lasting peace, increased oil production, and a positive global projection of the Niger Delta.

•PHOTO: NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (right), presenting a plaque to the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit at the Commission's headquarters in Port Harcourt.

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