Former President Goodluck Jonathan has attributed the persistent problem of abandoned projects in the Niger Delta region primarily to the frequent changes in leadership at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Speaking at the NDDC’s 25th anniversary plenary session in Port Harcourt, Jonathan emphasized that the revolving door of Chief Executive Officers has severely undermined the commission’s ability to plan and complete critical infrastructure projects.
Jonathan highlighted that over the 25 years since the NDDC’s inception, the commission has had 11 different CEOs, averaging about two years and three months per tenure. He questioned how any meaningful long-term planning or project completion could be achieved within such short periods. “How can one plan? How can significant projects for the region be completed within two years and three months in office?” he asked.
The former president clarified that the abandoned projects were not due to negligence or ill intent by the NDDC managers but were an inevitable consequence of leadership instability. He explained that when proper planning becomes impossible due to time constraints, agencies resort to contractor-driven projects rather than well-planned, sustainable development initiatives.
Jonathan also praised President Bola Tinubu for retaining Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as the Managing Director of the NDDC, noting that this continuity is a positive step toward addressing the region’s developmental challenges. Ogbuku’s tenure, beginning officially in January 2023 and continuing under Tinubu’s administration, contrasts with the frequent leadership turnovers of the past. Jonathan recalled former NDDC leaders like Onyema Ugochukwu and Timi Alaibe, who were able to make impactful contributions due to longer tenures.
In addition to leadership stability, Jonathan urged the NDDC to prioritize people-focused infrastructure projects over politically motivated ones, emphasizing the need for sustainable development that directly benefits the Niger Delta communities. This call aligns with remarks from other stakeholders, including Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who pointed out that over ₦7 trillion has been invested in the NDDC since its inception, yet measurable results remain elusive.
President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, also directed the NDDC to expedite the completion of several critical abandoned projects, including major roads and bridges such as the Kaa-Ataba Bridge and the Bonny Ring Road. Tinubu reaffirmed the Niger Delta’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and highlighted infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as vital to regional integration and economic growth.
Jonathan further advocated for diversification beyond oil dependency, encouraging the NDDC to embrace agriculture and industrialization as sustainable alternatives for the Niger Delta’s economic future.
The collective message from Jonathan and other leaders at the NDDC’s silver jubilee underscores the urgent need for leadership continuity, strategic planning, and a shift towards development projects that are sustainable and people-centered to unlock the full potential of the Niger Delta region.