The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), under the leadership of Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is embarking on a significant transformational journey, shifting from a transaction-focused approach to a more sustainable, transformation-driven model. This strategic shift is being guided by a comprehensive Governance Advisory Report compiled by KPMG, a leading global professional services firm. The report, presented at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, provides a roadmap for enhancing the Commission’s governance structure, internal processes, and overall institutional culture. Dr. Ogbuku emphasized the importance of the report, stating that it would serve as a crucial policy document guiding the operations of all directorates and departments within the NDDC. This signifies a commitment to institutionalizing best practices and ensuring accountability and transparency in the Commission’s activities.
The adoption of the KPMG report signifies a pivotal moment for the NDDC, marking a conscious effort to break away from past practices and embrace a more robust and ethical governance framework. Dr. Ogbuku stressed the importance of embedding a new institutional culture anchored on sound ethics and good corporate governance. This cultural shift is crucial for improving internal processes, strengthening institutional protocols, and ultimately, achieving the NDDC’s mandate of fostering sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. The commitment to implementing the recommendations outlined in the report demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing historical challenges and building a more resilient and effective organization.
The Governance Advisory Report, structured into seven key policy documents, provides a comprehensive framework for enhancing various aspects of the NDDC’s operations. These documents include six charters covering critical areas such as risk management, internal controls, stakeholder engagement, board policies, and key management policies. This multifaceted approach aims to strengthen the Commission’s internal regulatory mechanisms, ensuring greater accountability and transparency in its activities. The comprehensive nature of the report underscores the commitment to addressing systemic issues and building a more robust and sustainable governance structure.
KPMG’s involvement in this transformational process highlights the NDDC’s commitment to leveraging external expertise and best practices. Mr. Olugbenga Afuwape, a Manager at KPMG, presented the report and reiterated the firm’s commitment to supporting the NDDC in its reform efforts. KPMG’s expertise in governance and internal control frameworks will be instrumental in guiding the implementation of the recommendations and ensuring their effectiveness. This partnership signifies a proactive approach to learning from global best practices and adapting them to the specific context of the Niger Delta region.
The leadership within the NDDC has expressed strong support for the implementation of the Governance Advisory Report. Alabo Iyayc, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, commended the initiative, emphasizing its timeliness and the importance of implementing all recommendations. He noted that the enhanced governance structure would significantly improve the NDDC’s service delivery and ultimately lead to greater stakeholder satisfaction. This underscores the recognition that effective governance is essential for achieving the Commission’s developmental objectives and building trust with the communities it serves.
The collective commitment to implementing the KPMG report reflects a shared vision for a more effective and transparent NDDC. Ifedayo Abegunde, the Executive Director of Corporate Services, applauded KPMG’s thorough work and emphasized the importance of the partnership in driving reform and transformation within the Commission. This collaborative approach, involving both internal leadership and external expertise, is crucial for ensuring the successful implementation of the recommendations and achieving lasting positive change within the NDDC. The focus on reform and transformation signifies a recognition of the need for continuous improvement and adaptation to the evolving needs of the Niger Delta region.
