PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting security agencies in the region as part of its resounding commitment to promoting peace and development in the Niger Delta. During recent courtesy visits by Major General Jamal Abdulsalam and Commodore Desmond Okechukwu Igbo, representing the Nigerian Army and Navy, respectively, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, reaffirmed this promise.
According to the CEO of the NDDC, “development and security are intertwined because without security, there will be no development, and where there is security and development, there will be prosperity.” This highlights the mutually beneficial relationship between development and security. He emphasised how crucial it is that the NDDC and security services work together to keep up a calm environment that fosters development.
Ogbuku acknowledged the critical role that security plays and pointed out that, as an intervention agency, the NDDC needs a secure environment in order to carry out its mission. In his appreciation of the security agencies, he said, “I appreciate the security agencies for the job they are doing in the Niger Delta region because the region is relatively peaceful compared to other regions in the country.”
Dr. Ogbuku emphasised the Commission’s commitment to do more by extending the NDDC’s continued support to security agencies and military formations. He praised the Nigerian Navy for their commitment and selflessness on behalf of the region as a whole.
Ogbuku addressed the necessity of taking preventative action and counselled security services to improve intelligence collecting in order to proactively handle security issues. e emphasized that supporting security also involves engaging the youth in the region through skills training for gainful employment.
During the courtesy visits, Major General Jamal Abdulsalam and Commodore Desmond Okechukwu Igbo commended NDDC for its collaborative efforts. Major General Abdulsalam acknowledged the existing relationship between NDDC and the Army, expressing the mutual need for success. He appreciated NDDC’s contributions, including providing solar-power streetlights at Army Barracks and appealed for further support in facility provision.
Commodore Desmond Igbo, Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, commended NDDC for cooperation with security agencies in ensuring peace. He affirmed the Navy’s commitment to protecting the country’s territorial integrity and national assets. Commodore Igbo urged NDDC management to continue supporting security forces in the region, promising to sustain the cordial relationship between the Navy and the Commission.
As the Niger Delta Development Commission reaffirms its support for security agencies, the collaborative efforts aim to create an environment that fosters sustainable development, peace, and prosperity in the Niger Delta region.
