By Suoyo Ekubo
The Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Dr. Samuel Ogbuku has hinted a possible partnership with the International Seabed Authority $ISA) to create new pathways for opportunity and growth across the Niger Delta.
The NDDC Boss stated this when the Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Belize, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, Ambassador Dr. Maureen Tamuno who is also the Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) paid a courtesy visit to the NDDC Boss at the NDDC headquarters on 17th February 2023 to unfold opportunities for partnership with the Commission.
A communique by NDDC media quoting the Commission boss Samuel Ogbuku said;
“On Friday, 17 February 2023, I, along with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Executive Director, Projects, Mr. Charles Ogunmola, and some Directors of the Commission, had the privilege of hosting the Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Belize, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, who doubles as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and Chairperson of the National Steering Committee of the Africa Deep Seabed Resources project (ADSR), Ambassador Dr. Maureen Tamuno.”
“The NDDC is committed to improving the lives of people in the Niger Delta. The NDDC is ready to forge meaningful partnerships with the ISA. Together, we seek to strengthen and rejuvenate the Niger Delta while preserving its unique environment.”
“We are hopeful that the partnership between the two agencies will yield tangible results, with the ISA sharing its expertise and international best practices to address the challenges posed by the increasingly unpredictable Niger Delta. The ISA’s technical knowledge and staff will be instrumental in helping the NDDC to identify more effective ways to manage the Niger Delta’s resources and environment.”
“By implementing better management tools, the NDDC and the ISA will work to ensure the sustainability of the Niger Delta ecosystem, which will help ensure the health and well-being of all who rely on it. Additionally, the NDDC and the ISA will collaborate on initiatives to promote economic development in the Niger Delta through Public-private Partnership investments in projects that will harness the region’s natural resources and create employment opportunities.”
“We expect that partnership with the ISA will mark a significant step forward in helping the NDDC sustainably develop the Niger Delta and provide benefits to the people. With its expertise and support, the NDDC will create new pathways for opportunity and growth across the Niger Delta.”
“Together, the NDDC and the International Seabed Authority will work to strengthen, replenish, and protect the Niger Delta for all its inhabitants.” Samuel Ogbuku said.
