NDDC reaffirms support for security agencies to sustain peace in Niger Delta

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with security agencies in the Niger Delta region to sustain peace, enhance security, and accelerate development.

The assurance was given by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, during a courtesy visit by the Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF), South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, and representatives of other security agencies to the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

A statement on Wednesday by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs, said Dr Ogbuku described the visit as significant, coming early in the year, and emphasised that security remained a foundation for development in the region.

“Without security, there will be no development. Our roles are intertwined, and we are all working towards the mandate of Mr President. No matter what we have done so far, we are not there yet until development reaches every doorstep in the Niger Delta region,” he said.

He stressed that the NDDC remained a firm supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that peace in the Niger Delta was critical to national prosperity due to the region’s strategic economic importance.

“The Niger Delta is the economic nerve of this nation. If the region is destabilised, it will affect the entire country’s economy. That is why we will not allow that to happen. Nigeria is prosperous today because there is peace in the Niger Delta, and this is largely due to the efforts of the security agencies,” Ogbuku said.

The NDDC boss assured the JTF commander of the Commission’s readiness to sustain support for security agencies, citing previous interventions.

“We have supported the 16 Brigade in Bayelsa State. We have also commenced work on a major army base project in Warri. Recently, we donated a naval base jetty, gunboats, and houseboats to the Nigerian Navy in Ayakoro and Ayama, both in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. We will continue to do more for the security agencies in the interest of peace and development in the Niger Delta,” he said.

Dr Ogbuku added that sustained peace would open up economic opportunities, attract foreign investment, and create jobs for the region’s youths, describing employment generation as a key pathway to long-term stability.

Rear Admiral Oladipo said the visit was intended to formally notify the NDDC of his assumption of duty and to strengthen collaboration between the task force and the Commission.

He said the JTF’s core mandate was to protect the Niger Delta and ensure a secure environment for oil and gas production and other economic activities.

“Our job is to protect the Niger Delta, and we need your support. We are also here to support you. During the Christmas season, we ensured that the Niger Delta was safe. Today, the Niger Delta is one of the safest regions in the country, and companies are returning. Workers are safe, and economic activities are picking up,” he said.

The JTF commander added that Operation Delta Safe was unique for integrating multiple security agencies operating on land, sea and air to ensure comprehensive coverage in the region.

Admiral Oladipo urged sustained partnership with the NDDC to ensure increased crude oil production, lasting peace and a positive global projection of the Niger Delta in line with the President’s mandate.

The meeting was attended by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, and members of the NDDC management team.