The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has affirmed that the Commission has commenced implementation of a new Governance Advisory Report as part of efforts to consolidate its performance and reposition the interventionist agency for greater impact in 2026.
Ogbuku disclosed this during a two-day NDDC Management Retreat held at the Landmark Events Centre, Owerri, Imo State, where top officials gathered to review performance and recalibrate strategies for improved project and service delivery.
The retreat, themed “Consolidating Performance and Repositioning the Commission for Strategic Impact in 2026,” had in attendance the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai; the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde; as well as directors of the Commission.
According to Ogbuku, the Governance Advisory Report—prepared by global business management consultancy firm, KPMG—is already being implemented to facilitate the Commission’s transition “from transaction to transformation.”
He explained that the report provides a framework for entrenching a new institutional culture rooted in sound ethics and good corporate governance, while strengthening internal processes and operational protocols.
“The 2026 NDDC Management Retreat offers a strategic platform for us to deepen our collective understanding of the Commission’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and code of conduct, which remain the foundation of our service delivery,” Ogbuku said.
“It is an opportunity to reflect on our institutional values, reassess our operational processes, and ensure that our actions consistently align with the Commission’s mandate and the expectations of the public.”
He stressed the need for deliberate efforts to avoid past mistakes, even as he acknowledged that previous experiences have shaped the Commission’s current reality.
Beyond policy engagement, Ogbuku called for renewed commitment to internal cohesion, collaboration and accountability across all levels of the organisation.
“By fostering unity of purpose, improving communication, and reinforcing ethical standards, we can enhance efficiency, promote transparency, and position the Commission to deliver greater impact in the Niger Delta region,” he said, urging participants to see the retreat as a catalyst for innovation, teamwork and sustained institutional excellence.
He further charged directors and board members to strengthen corporate governance practices by clearly defining relationships between the board, management and key stakeholders.
Earlier, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr Patterson Ogon, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to sustainable development in the Niger Delta, noting that achieving its mandate requires deliberate planning, strong coordination and a shared sense of purpose.
“This retreat provides a structured platform to set a clear direction for 2026. It offers an opportunity for performance review and stocktaking, particularly regarding project delivery and the Commission’s strategic agenda,” Ogon said.
He added that the gathering would enable management to align priorities, define roles and responsibilities, and establish measurable, action-oriented outcomes.
“Above all, the retreat reinforces our accountability framework and strengthens our performance architecture, ensuring that our collective efforts translate into measurable impact for the people of the Niger Delta,” he stated.
In a presentation titled “Consolidating Organisational Performance Through Human Capital, Change, and Team Alignment,” the Lead Presenter and Director of Studies at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Dr Joseph Olugbenga Dada, urged the Commission to prioritise teamwork and robust stakeholder engagement in addressing critical challenges in the region.
He advised the NDDC to sustain reforms aimed at consolidating performance, strengthening governance and repositioning the Commission for greater strategic relevance.
The retreat is part of broader efforts by the Commission’s leadership to deepen institutional reforms and improve delivery of developmental projects across the oil-rich Niger Delta.
