NDDC recommits to human capital devt, reassures children of the oil region on equality

…Unethical acts, threat to project monitoring anywhere – says expert

Human capital development appeared very important to the states of the oil region by the return of democracy in 1999 due to notions that the youth of the region were excluded from jobs in the oil industry.

Excuses were that the youths of the oil region were hardly qualified or competent. Most Houses of Assembly in the states in the region began with aggression, passing motions barring oil multinationals from handing out jobs to those they termed ‘non-indigenes’. This brought a huge crisis everywhere.

After a time, it was determined that the best way to address the matter was to fast-track the competence levels of the youths of the region. This created demands for skills acquisition schemes by the various states.

By the time the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was created in 2000, raising the skills and competence levels of the youths of the region seemed to be on the front burner for the intervention agency.

Many schemes were developed, and thousands have been trained locally and abroad. The top of the human capacity development scheme is the foreign postgraduate scholarship, which sends hundreds or thousands of graduates to foreign universities for their postgraduate training.

Now, the NDDC has reaffirmed its commitment to human capacity development, particularly by equipping the staff of the Directorate of Project Monitoring and Supervision (PMS) with the skills and knowledge required for effective service delivery. This is as the Commission has noted that unethical conduct rears its head anywhere in the world.

Speaking during a two-day workshop for the staff, Gbenga Omowanle, Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision, described the workshop as a refresher course and induction programme for old and new staff.

He explained that the training was designed to acquaint participants with the fundamental principles of PMS operations and the Commission’s monitoring procedures.

According to him, every staff member in the Directorate must understand the step-by-step approach required for effective project monitoring within the Commission. He added that the training would also strengthen the integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality expected of staff while carrying out their duties.

Omowanle expressed appreciation to Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the NDDC, for approving the workshop, titled: “Building Competence for Effective Project Oversight and Development Outcomes,” for the benefit of staff in the Project Monitoring and Supervision Directorate.

In his remarks, Dagogo Tolofari, the Lead Consultant for the training, emphasised that PMS staff play a crucial role in monitoring infrastructural projects executed by the Commission.

He noted that engineers involved in project supervision must be equipped with modern technology and the technical know-how needed for effective quality monitoring.

Tolofari further stated that the workshop would expose participants to field realities and some of the strategies commonly employed by contractors. He added that the training would equip staff with modern tools and contemporary monitoring techniques while ensuring the quality of NDDC projects is maintained.

Delivering a lecture on ‘Ethical Issues in Supervision,’ Dada Joseph, a resource person, identified unethical conduct as one of the major challenges confronting project monitoring.

He stressed that the PMS Directorate remained critical to the success of the NDDC and urged staff to always uphold integrity in discharging their responsibilities.

He stated: “Corruption exists everywhere in the world, but for us as a developing country, it remains a serious challenge. As staff of the PMS Directorate, document exactly what you observe in the field and submit your findings appropriately. Do not compromise. Contractors may attempt to influence you, but once you understand that your first loyalty is to the NDDC, you will always do the right thing,” he stated.

According to Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs, one of the participants, Akpekpe Jairus, said the training had given the participants deeper insight into tracking NDDC projects. He noted that before now, PMS staff in state offices usually travelled to the headquarters to obtain project information, but with the introduction of the Project Monitoring Information System, PMIS, staff could now track projects from any location.

Meanwhile, the NDDC has restated its commitment to prioritising the inclusive and sustainable development of children in the Niger Delta region, emphasising equal opportunities.

Ogbuku, the CEO, stated this during the commemoration of the International Children’s Day 2026 with the theme: “The Future Now – Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child” at an event centre in Port Harcourt.

Ogbuku, who was represented by Chioma Nwakwue, NDDC Deputy Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, stated that beyond infrastructural development, the Commission emphasises the development of the children in the region.

He noted, “Children’s Day is more than just any celebration. It is a reminder of our duty to protect every child in the Niger Delta region and give them equal opportunities, regardless of their diversity and background.

“The 2026 theme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of the Year of Families and Social Development. At the NDDC, we align with the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve education, healthcare, social protection, and economic opportunities for Nigerians.”

The NDDC boss further stated that inclusiveness and sustainable development start with investing in children. “Through investments in education, healthcare, school infrastructure, skills, digital empowerment, and social welfare, the NDDC is committed to building a more inclusive and prosperous Niger Delta,” he said.

One of the speakers at the event, Moses Egorerua, charged the children to take their education seriously, describing education as a fundamental right and a vital tool for personal and societal development.

He urged the children to make productive use of social media for learning and self-development, and encouraged them to participate in community service to build leadership capacity and social responsibility.

The NDDC gave out U-lesson tablets, school bags, and other educational materials to the children.