TheCable

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is set to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Development Partners to drive accountability, economic development and social responsibility in the region.

The drive is being led by Nsima Ekere, the newly appointed MD/CEO of the commission,who says he will put the region on a new path, aimed at changing the current narrative of the Niger Delta.

According to NDDC, discussion has begun with some NGOs which includes; Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), Facility for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform in Nigeria (FOSTER), Market Development in the Niger Delta (MADE), BudgIT, Open Government Partnership (OGP), Strengthening Advocacy for Civil Engagement (SACE), and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

The commission also informed the general public that the MoUs are currently being prepared for signing by the various organizations in the coming week.

Ekere formally took over the leadership of the NDDC in November, 2016 and outlined a new plan for the commission which he described as the 4Rs initiative; to restructure the balance sheet, reform the governance protocols, restore NDDC’s core mandate, and reaffirm the commission’s collective commitment to do what is right.

The NDDC, at this time, says it will have to devise new, innovative and more efficient ways of doing things.

The commission say it will also find new partners to help execute its mandate for the Niger Delta and strengthen existing relationships to ensure that all stakeholders are working towards a common goal and promote the peace that is necessary for the development of the region.