The Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan if embraced will serve as a compass for holistic development in the region, the Niger Delta’s Development Commission, (NDDC) Managing Director, Dr. Christian Oboh has said.
This was the focus of his presentation at a 3-day retreat organized by the BRACED Commission in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
In his paper titled: “The Imperative of Regional infrastructure in the South-South”, Dr. Oboh sued for a closer tie between the BRACED States and NDDC to facilitate the development of critical infrastructure towards sustainable growth in the region.
He noted that the Master Plan, initiated by the NDDC, was due for review, stressing that the process would involve the 9 states in the region amongst them, the 6 BRACED States.
The NDDC Boss said the integrated development plan, being driven by the Commission which covers health, education, transportation, and agriculture will guarantee economic and infrastructural development.
Dr. Oboh disclosed that the commission had finalized plans to build a virgin road that would link Rivers and Bayelsa States as part of plans to connect Niger Delta States.
“We are trying to connect all our people in the region for greater economic and social activities”.
In his speech, the Director-General BRACED Commission, Ambassador Joe Keshi, said the retreat would galvanize stakeholders for the task of integrating the South-South region for development.
He explained that the retreat among other objectives was meant to deepen awareness of the imperatives and demands of regional development as well as identify its drivers.
While advising the governors not to allow politics divide their common interest, he said, “in this region, we all need less of politics and focus more on our economic development to alleviate the mass poverty amongst our people in the midst of plenty”.
