Cross River State government has accepted to jointly supervise and monitor Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) projects undertaken in the state to ensure they are executed to specification.

This is part of the collaborative efforts agreed by Governor Liyel Imoke while receiving Mr. Chibuzo Ugwoha, managing director of NDDC during a courtesy call before embarking on fact finding working visit of the state, saying that the effort will not only check poor execution of projects but duplication of projects.

Imoke noted that this will lead to the realization of some of the projects as it will force contractors to report on site, explaining that Cross River, though an integral part of Niger Delta, has steered a particular course involving tourism and hospitality which are critical and needs the private sector as a catalyst to propel it as tourism and agriculture remain two key areas where the state has comparative advantage.

The governor appreciated the commission in its effort to boost learning and manpower development with focus on those services that are critical to the Niger Delta to move its economy through manpower training while disclosing the state’s preparedness to partner NDDC in its healthcare delivery programme in order to do away with duplication of functions.

He described NDDC’s partnership programmes with local government councils as commendable as it will bring significant development to the selected areas, adding that though Cross River is a marginal beneficiary of NDDC which places it in a disadvantaged position by receiving less from the Commission, the state is prepared to work with it to ensure its projects are realized.
Ugwoha said the challenge of moving the commission forward cannot be handled in isolation but with the collaboration of all stakeholders as it intends to identify what the people need and work with them.