TheCable

Umana Okon Umana, minister of Niger Delta affairs, has admonished new members of the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to resist the temptation to award new contracts, but instead ensure that ongoing projects are completed.

The minister said this during the inauguration of the governing board of the commission Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital, on Wednesday.

Umana said this measure would help to serve the people of the region even better, deliver on the commission’s mandate, as well as launder the rather poor image of the NDDC.

“I also urge you to shun the impulse for the award of spurious and indiscriminate new contracts, and suggest that you instead focus on the completion of ongoing projects to better serve the people of the region and deliver on the mandate of the NDCC, thereby helping to repair the negative public perception for the Commission,” he noted.

He further assured the board that the ministry will continue to provide the necessary support and guidance to ensure a successful administration.

Umana disclosed the Ministry’s plan to organise a retreat for members of the board where they will be trained in preparation for the task ahead of them.

“On our part as the overseeing Ministry, we will not relent in providing and availing the Board and the Commission at large with the necessary support and guidance needed for a successful tenure.

“Accordingly, we shall organisze a retreat for the Board Members, their Aides and Management of the Commission, with the Honourable Minister, Honourable Minister of State and Permanent Secretary in attendance,” he said.