Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Regional Development, has debunked rumours about plans to scrap the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), assuring stakeholders that the commission remains a crucial part of the government’s regional growth agenda.
Speaking during the 2025 Ministerial Briefing held on Friday in Abuja, Momoh dismissed the rumours as unfounded and clarified that the NDDC continues to play a vital role in driving socio-economic development in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
The Minister explained that the Ministry of Natural Data, previously focused solely on the Niger Delta, has not been scrapped but integrated into the broader Ministry of Regional Development.
“The ministry is still active but now operates with a wider scope to manage multiple regional development commissions,” Momoh stated.
Since assuming office in May 2024, Momoh said that he has overseen the ministry’s evolving mandate, which now includes supervising newly established development commissions in the northwest and southeast regions, further expanding its reach and impact.
Highlighting the ministry’s accomplishments over the past year, Momoh pointed to significant progress in infrastructure, water supply, and electrification projects.
“Several critical road networks have been completed or are nearing completion. These include the Perigolo-Ugria-Gonjero Road in Delta State, the Kola-Nipuru-Chakoro Road (Phase One) in Iposet, as well as the Agoti-Mbaka Road and Yauka Road in the same region.
“Additionally, a network of new roads has been developed in the northeast to enhance regional connectivity.
“Efforts to improve access to clean water have also been prioritized, with community water schemes constructed in underserved areas like Mwole and Oweretsa in Iposet, Momoh stated.
In the power sector, according to Momoh, over 257 solar streetlights were installed across the Niger Delta in 2023, with more planned for 2024. Rural electrification projects, including the installation of transformers and solar-powered mini-grids, have brought electricity to remote communities, enhancing local economies and improving living standards.
Given the unique geography of the Niger Delta, where many communities are inaccessible by road, the ministry said that it has initiated major inland waterway projects. Contracts have been awarded for river dredging and the introduction of ferry services to connect isolated regions.
“It’s a vital step to ensure these communities are not cut off and can participate in the broader economy,” Momoh emphasized.
The Minister also noted that youth empowerment remains a core focus, with the ministry providing ₦250,000 start-up grants to 300 youths who completed vocational training in 2023.
“The program will be expanded, targeting 1,000 youths across nine Niger Delta states”, he added.
The ministry said it has also launched health and education initiatives, including free medical outreach programs in states like Ondo, which have provided life-saving surgeries and treatments to thousands.
“Meanwhile, the NDDC’s scholarship scheme continues to sponsor students for master’s programs abroad, particularly in science and technology fields, strengthening the region’s human capital”, the Minister stated.
Momoh commended the NDDC for completing several long-abandoned infrastructure projects which include the construction of a 600-meter bridge over the Bay of Nubes, the rehabilitation of critical road networks across the Niger Delta, and the completion of a 50 MDA transmission station to boost power supply in the region.
“In 2024 alone, the NDDC’s free medical programs treated over 32,000 patients, while its scholarship scheme continued to support hundreds of students annually”, he stated.
The ministry plans to intensify development efforts by leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), particularly in infrastructure and housing. “PPP is the only way to make meaningful progress given budget constraints,” the Minister noted.
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