Revitalizing the Niger Delta: A Vision for NDDC Amendment

Chief Edwin Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has called for the amendment of the 2000 Act establishing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to remove the non-Niger Delta oil-producing states of Abia, Imo, and Ondo from the commission.

The nine states currently included in the NDDC are Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom. Clark argues that their inclusion in the commission is a political aberration, and the NDDC should remain one of the six original Niger Delta coastal states.

He suggests that other oil-producing states should establish a direct relationship with oil companies and the Nigerian government, especially now that oil has been found in various parts of Nigeria.

He points out that Imo, Abia, and Ondo are not geographically part of the Niger Delta and that their inclusion in the NDDC was a political mistake.

Clark likens the NDDC to a limited liability company with majority and minority shareholders, and he believes it is unreasonable for a minority shareholder like Imo (with 1.02% oil production) to demand the removal of NDDC board executives. He argues that such demands would lead to an unfair and inequitable situation.

This call for an amendment to the NDDC Act seeks to address perceived issues of fairness, representation, and equitable distribution of resources in the Niger Delta region.

Source: NAN