The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, says that stakeholders’ engagement is fundamental to the development of the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku stated this in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Rivers State Public Relations Week in Port Harcourt.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, highlighted the importance of reputation management and the critical role NIPR plays in maintaining a positive national image.

He emphasised the importance of stakeholder collaboration to ensure projects meet people’s needs and that government initiatives succeed, highlighting this approach as a key component of the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

According to Ogbuku, the theme of the NIPR Week, “Refocusing Stakeholder Engagement And Public Trust In A Challenging Economy,” aligns with the Commission’s goal of building public trust through transparent and collaborative engagement.

Ogbuku stated: “We realise that it is crucial to build trust with all partners to get their buy-in and win their confidence. In this respect, we have established processes to ensure that a new institutional culture, anchored in sound ethics and good corporate governance, is in place. “We are working with KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, which has reviewed our processes to strengthen our corporate governance system. We now have a robust Corporate Governance structure that fosters accountability and transparency, backed by a clear and measurable set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress toward goals.”

The NDDC boss noted that the emphasis on collaboration was in line with the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritizes carrying stakeholders along in the development process.

He remarked: “Through engagement, the NDDC aims to foster partnerships to leverage collective strengths, overcome challenges, and avoid working at cross-purposes.”

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter, Nigerian Institute Of Public Relations (NIPR), Rev. Francis Asuk, said that strategic communication was central to peacebuilding and governance.

He declared: “The time has come for our leaders, both in government and the private sector, to engage professional public relations practitioners in managing and communicating through sensitive issues. The expertise of PR professionals in stakeholder mapping, perception management, conflict resolution, and narrative framing can make a crucial difference in restoring confidence, bridging divides, and shaping a more stable and progressive Rivers State.”

He regretted that public trust is eroding across Nigeria and indeed the world. He stated: “Economic challenges, misinformation, and institutional fatigue have tested the resilience of governments, businesses, and communities alike. In such a time, the role of the public relations professional becomes indispensable to rebuild confidence, restore truth, and facilitate transparent engagement that drives collective progress.”

Delta Government has approved the disbursement of N10 billion to settle pension liabilities arrears from past administrations in the state.

The state Commissioner for Works, (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, who briefed press, said the approval was part of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Asaba on Thursday.

He said the meeting was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, adding that Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori was on official engagement outside the state.

Aniagwu was flanked by his counterparts from Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen; Housing, Mr Godknows Angele respectively and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon.

He said the council deliberated on several life-impacting memos cutting across social investment, infrastructure, and governance reforms.

According to Aniagwu, the N10 billion disbursement is in fulfillment of governor’s promise to ease the hardship of pensioners and to defray inherited pension liabilities.

“At today’s meeting, we approved the disbursement of.N10 billion to begin the process of defraying pension arrears.

“A committee has been set up to ensure the funds get to deserving beneficiaries without bias or interference,” he said.

He said the move was part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of citizens under the M.O.R.E Agenda and making life more livable for senior citizens who had served the state diligently.

The commissioner also said that the council also reviewed timelines for key infrastructure projects, including two major flyovers in Agbor (Uromi Junction) and Ughelli (Otovwodo Junction), being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

“The Agbor flyover, initially scheduled for completion in 24 months, has been revised to 18 months, while the Ughelli flyover has been reduced from 24 to 14 months.

“These adjustments are aimed at delivering the projects faster to ease movement and boost economic activities”.

He said the council also considered the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) which was presented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, as part of preparations for the 2026 budget, for onward presentation to the State House of Assembly.

Aniagwu disclosed that government terminated some non-performing contracts across the state to ensure efficient project delivery and value for money.

“Some contractors have failed to meet performance expectations, and since the government promptly mobilizes and pays for certified work, we cannot allow delays or negligence,” he said.

According to him the affected projects include the Igbodo Junction–Ubulu–Uku to Ogwashi-Uku Road, which will be re-examined and re-awarded to a competent contractor in line with the governor’s resolve to open up communities across the 25 local government areas of the state.

He said that the council also approved for the formal presentation of the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Engr. Mike Oghenovo Orugbo, Okporua I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, following his installation by the kingmakers of the kingdom.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to people-oriented governance, transparency, and accelerated infrastructural renewal across the state.

Aniagwu said: “Gov. Oborevwori has made it clear that projects must deliver value to Deltans. Where contractors fail, we will not hesitate to act in the interest of our people.”

He assured that this current administration would continue to prioritize human welfare, infrastructural development, and institutional reforms aimed at sustainable growth and prosperity for the people.

On his part, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Ekedayen, explained that the council approval of the MTEF was a necessary requirement for the preparation of the 2026 budget.

He said that relevant parameters have been considered for the MTEF, based on current realities, adding that 1.7 million barrels per day crude oil production.

He added that the official exchange rate of N1,500 to a Dollar, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 3.4 per cent and an inflation rate of about 23 per cent plus the state internally generated revenue were also taken into consideration.
According to him, no fixed amount has been pegged as the state budget for 2026 until the MTEF gets the nod of the State House of Assembly.

“But there will be at lest 50 per cent rise in our 2026 budget above what we have this year. On our budget performance, capital projects and current expenditure recorded about 96 per cent and 86 per cent as at June.”

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Housing, Angele, disclosed that the state government also approved the construction of Judges quarter of 10 four-bedroom duplexes in two locations; Asaba and Warri.

According to him, five four-brooms duplex will be constructed in Asaba, while another five would be constructed in Warr/Osubi axis.

Angele said that the approval was in fulfilment of the governor’s pledge and effort to carry all arms of government: the executive, legislature and judiciary in terms of infrastructure development and provision of accommodation for all.