The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the newly inaugurated South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to remain firmly focused on its mandate and avoid the pitfalls that plagued previous regional intervention agencies.
Wike gave the charge on Wednesday when he received the Commission’s board and management team, led by its chairman, Mr. Chibudom Nwuche, and Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio.
The Minister warned the leadership to steer clear of distractions and resist external pressures capable of derailing the Commission’s developmental objectives. According to him, several interventionist bodies in the past underperformed due to corruption, divided loyalties and weak leadership.
He stressed that the progress of the South-South region would depend on the personal commitment of those appointed to drive development, rather than the pursuit of titles or influence. Wike lamented that many officials in similar bodies lacked dedication, noting that only hard work and discipline would justify their appointments and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Taking a swipe at the performance of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Wike decried a culture where contractors “arrived with portfolios,” yet billions of naira yielded scant results. He urged the SSDC leadership to avoid duplicating projects, awarding politically motivated contracts or sidelining community involvement.
Wike further tasked the board to uphold discipline, maintain internal cohesion, resist undue pressures and adhere to prudent financial management, insisting that the South-South was expecting a distinctly higher standard of performance.
He commended the commissioners and directors for their willingness to serve, expressing hope that they would project the region positively and reinforce the President’s confidence in their appointments.
Responding, Ms. Akpabio said the delegation’s visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relationships and deepening collaboration with federal agencies and stakeholders. She pledged that the Commission would prioritise regional development planning and ensure the South-South remained central to national policy implementation.
She added that the SSDC’s liaison office in Abuja would be enhanced to improve engagement with relevant federal bodies, affirming the Commission’s resolve to deliver on its mandate and advance economic growth across the region.
