By Jimitota Onoyume

PORT HAR-COURT— Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has said that it has no intention to shut out any ethnic group from its development plans in the region.

Spokesman of the commission, in a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said that the new board of the commission was determined to address development needs in the entire region, adding that it would soon advertise projects to be awarded in areas not listed in its recent published list of 375 projects to be executed in some areas.

“Indeed, it is the policy of the new Governing Board and Management to address all developmental needs of the communities of the Niger Delta, employing the approved equity distribution principle as enshrined in the NDDC Act of 2000.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the commission is in the process of advertising additional projects, which contain projects in these areas, particularly in Delta, Ondo, Cross River and other affected states. This publication will be made as soon as all necessary checks are concluded to avoid incidences of project duplication with other agencies.

“We call on all stakeholders of the Niger Delta region to engage with the commission constructively in addressing perceived grievances and concerns. The commission is determined to make a difference in the region  and is prepared and willing to work with all groups in the region to achieve the long-held aspiration of our people.”