The Niger Delta Development Commission has promised to collaborate with the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority on the development of industrial parks in the Niger Delta region.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, made this known during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the OGFTZA, led by its Managing Director, Senator Tijani Kaura at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
According to a statement signed by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, Ogbuku noted that industrial parks occupied a strategic position in the sustainable development value chain because of their multiplier effects.
He was quoted as saying “Having industrial parks is very key in the development of a society like ours. Partnering to have an Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Park would achieve a lot.
“It will reduce the cost of production in the industries and enterprises that we intend to attract to the Niger Delta region. It will also promote entrepreneurship.”
Ogbuku further stated that industrialisation was needed in the region to create job opportunities for the youth and women.
He said he was confident that a partnership with OGFTZA in the development of the parks would promote investment and economic development for creating wealth and employment in the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku observed that working with different organisations for development purposes had been very successful.
He added: “It only proves that our quest for partnership, which has been our core policy focus, is working. On assumption of office, we realized that due to the dwindling funds, it would be very difficult for us to actualise the desired development of the Niger Delta region on our own.
“The Niger Delta is in dire need of development. NDDC, being the vehicle that drives development in the region, must not depend on only one source of funds. Over the years, we have depended on contributions from the Federal Government and international oil companies, as our only means for driving development.
“Right now, we believe partnering with corporate bodies and government agencies will fast-track and accelerate development in the Niger Delta region.”
Speaking earlier, the managing director of OGFTZA noted that his organisation and the NDDC occupied strategic positions in driving sustainable development in the Niger Delta region, making it imperative for both agencies to work together.
Kaura added: “It is going to be a win-win situation for the NDDC and OGFTZA, as it will ensure wealth creation, engage the youths and reduce restiveness in the Niger Delta region.”
