The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has affirmed that the Commission has commenced the implementation of a new Governance Advisory Report as part of efforts to consolidate its performance and reposition the agency for greater impact in 2026.
In a statement issued by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs, Ogbuku made this known during a two-day NDDC Management Retreat held at the Landmark Events Centre in Owerri, Imo State, noting that the retreat focused on strengthening governance and enhancing project and service delivery across the Niger Delta region.
The 2026 NDDC Management Retreat, themed “Consolidating Performance and Repositioning the Commission for Strategic Impact in 2026,” was attended by 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.
Ogbuku stated that the Commission had already begun implementing the Governance Advisory Report prepared by the multinational business management consultancy firm, KPMG, to facilitate its transition from transactional operations to transformational impact.
According to him, the KPMG report provides a framework for building a new institutional culture anchored on sound ethics and good corporate governance, aimed at improving the Commission’s internal processes and protocols.
He urged members of the NDDC Governing Board and Management Committee to be deliberate in avoiding past mistakes, noting that while previous experiences shaped the Commission’s current realities, they must not hinder future progress.
Ogbuku said:
“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. 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 public expectations.
Beyond policy discussions, this gathering calls for a renewed commitment to strengthening internal cohesion, collaboration, and mutual 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.
Let us therefore use this retreat not only as an opportunity for reflection but as a catalyst for innovation, teamwork, and sustained institutional excellence.”
He further charged Directors to uphold the principles of corporate governance by adhering strictly to established rules, practices and processes, and by strengthening the relationship between the Board, Management and key stakeholders.
Speaking earlier, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Patterson Ogon, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to facilitating sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
“Achieving this mandate, however, requires deliberate planning, strong coordination, and a shared sense of purpose,” he said.
Ogon explained that the retreat provided a structured platform to set a clear direction for 2026, review performance, particularly in project delivery, and align management priorities with actionable 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 added.
Also speaking on the topic, “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. Dada Joseph Olugbenga, urged the Commission to emphasise teamwork and robust engagement on key development issues affecting the region.
He advised the NDDC to remain focused on consolidating performance, strengthening governance structures, and repositioning the Commission for greater strategic impact in the years ahead.
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