Over 17,500 projects abandoned – Akpabio uncovers root of NDDC failures

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has identified disunity and leadership struggles as the major reasons behind the problems in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Speaking on Saturday during the grand finale of the NDDC’s 25th anniversary celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Akpabio said that internal conflicts within the commission’s management team have hindered progress.

According to him, over 17,500 projects have been abandoned over the years, mainly due to frequent changes in leadership.

He said, “Why do we have so many problems in the NDDC? One major reason is leadership tussle. In the Niger Delta, everyone wants to lead at the same time. Nobody wants to wait for their turn.”

He explained that each new leadership team often faces internal conspiracies, with staff helping to create conflict until the leadership is changed. “Sometimes, one of them even becomes the acting Managing Director,” he added.

Akpabio, who was once the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, also revealed that the NDDC operated for over 20 years from a rented building on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, which cost N300 million per year and was not connected to the national power grid.

He emphasized that such leadership and structural issues have significantly affected the commission’s ability to deliver on its mandate.