Leadership turmoil hinders NDDC’s progress, Jonathan warns

The Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has July 12, 2025 in Rivers State Port Harcourt criticized the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its chronic inability to complete projects across the Niger Delta region. 

Speaking at the NDDC’s 25th anniversary celebration in Port Harcourt, Jonathan blamed the frequent changes in leadership for the commission’s failure to deliver on its mandate.

Jonathan revealed that the NDDC has seen 11 different CEOs over 25 years.

Averaging less than two and a half years per leader. 

He argued this rapid turnover disrupts planning and execution.

Forcing the commission to rely on short-term, contractor-driven projects instead of strategic development plans. 

“How can you plan or finish significant projects with CEOs lasting only two years and three months?” he questioned.

Abandoned Projects: A Symptom of Instability

The former president echoed concerns raised by the NDDC’s pioneer chairman, Onyema Ugochukwu, and World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Who highlighted the abandonment of numerous projects. 

Okonjo-Iweala disclosed that over N7 trillion has been spent since the NDDC’s inception, yet tangible results remain elusive.

Jonathan insisted the failures are not due to a lack of effort by NDDC managers but stem from political instability and leadership disruptions. 

This instability has led to a culture of unfinished projects, undermining the commission’s credibility and the region’s development.

Tinubu’s Retention of Ogbuku: A Positive Signal

Jonathan praised President Bola Tinubu for retaining Samuel Ogbuku as the NDDC Managing Director, interpreting this as a sign of genuine commitment to the Niger Delta’s development. 

Ogbuku, appointed by former President Buhari in late 2022 and confirmed by Tinubu in 2023, has now served over two years, bucking the trend of rapid leadership changes.

“If Tinubu was not serious about the region, he would have replaced Ogbuku within five months,” Jonathan said. 

This continuity, he argued, might finally allow the NDDC to complete ongoing projects and build a lasting legacy.

NDDC’s Struggle with Governance and Corruption

Despite these hopeful signs, critics remain skeptical. 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio blamed leadership crises and internal corruption for the NDDC’s historical underperformance. 

The commission’s high turnover rate and governance failures have crippled its ability to deliver on its mandate.

Samuel Ogbuku himself acknowledged the challenges. 

At a recent press conference in Asaba, he admitted that frequent management changes have disrupted project creation and awarding, resulting in a lack of clear vision and accountability. 

However, he pledged transparency and promised to tackle abandoned projects, though he warned that such issues cannot be resolved overnight.

A Commission in Need of Transformation

Under Ogbuku’s leadership, the NDDC has embarked on reforms aimed at restoring trust and effectiveness. 

The commission has restructured its administrative framework.

Reinstated its 13 statutory directorates, and introduced robust corporate governance protocols with the help of consulting firm KPMG. 

These measures include key performance indicators (KPIs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) designed to foster an ethical and performance-driven culture.

Additionally, the NDDC is transitioning from transactional operations to transformational development, including digitalizing procurement processes to prevent fraud and enhance transparency.

The Political Dimension: Development or Political Patronage

Jonathan’s remarks implicitly criticize the politicization of the NDDC.

Where leadership appointments often reflect political interests rather than development priorities. 

This politicization has led to project abandonment and inefficiency, as leaders change with shifting political winds, leaving little continuity or accountability.

The former president urged the commission to focus on people oriented infrastructure rather than politically motivated projects. 

This call challenges the NDDC to prioritize the welfare of Niger Delta communities over political patronage and personal gain.

Tinubu’s Vision and the Road Ahead

President Tinubu has described the Niger Delta as “the goose that lays the golden egg,” emphasizing its strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy. 

At the anniversary event, he tasked the NDDC with prioritizing human capital development and completing abandoned projects. 

His administration’s flagship Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project aims to boost regional connectivity and economic growth, signaling a renewed focus on infrastructure.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu’s message was clear.

The NDDC must deliver measurable results and transform the Niger Delta into an economically stable and politically peaceful region.

Can Stability Bring Development

The NDDC’s 25-year history reveals a troubling pattern of leadership instability, corruption, and project abandonment. 

Goodluck Jonathan’s candid critique exposes the commission’s fundamental challenges. 

While President Tinubu’s retention of Ogbuku and recent reforms offer hope.

The commission’s future hinges on sustained leadership and genuine commitment to development not political expediency.

Without addressing these systemic issues, the NDDC risks remaining a symbol of squandered resources and unfulfilled promises, much to the detriment of the Niger Delta’s millions of residents.