Based on the view to promote investment and economic development for creating wealth and employment in the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has pledged to collaborate with the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority, OGFTZA, on the development of Industrial Parks in the Niger Delta region.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who revealed this during an interactive session with the delegation of the OGFTZA led by the Managing Director, Senator Tijani Kaura at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt; assured that partnering with OGFTZA in the development of industrial parks would reduce the cost of production in the industries; revealing that enterprises they intend to attract to the Niger Delta region, would promote entrepreneurship.
He further explained that having industrial parks is key in the development of a society like ours, as the parks occupy a strategic position in sustainable development value chain because of their multiplier effects.
He maintained that industries in one park come with a lot of advantages for both the companies and the people of the region; noting that there should be need for industrialisation in the region in order to create job opportunities for our youths and women.
However, Ogbuka confidently stated that working with different organisations for development purposes had been very successful, noting: “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 for funds. Over the years, we have depended on contributions from the Federal Government and International Oil Companies, IOCs, 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,” he stated.
According to Ogbuka, he announced that the Commission was looking beyond the era of oil and gas, and also tilting towards agriculture and information technology, while stressing on the need to provide the necessary facilities and incorporate a technology hub in the industrial park for IT experts in the region. This in his words, would encourage various technology-based organisations to set up in the Niger Delta. Thereby, looking at a future Silicone Valley in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of the OGFTZA, Senator Kaura, noted that both his organisation and the NDDC occupy strategic positions in driving sustainable development in the Niger Delta region, making it imperative for both agencies to work together.
He, however, called for the setting up of a Technical Committee to work out the details of the partnership between the NDDC and OGFTZA on the Industrial Parks initiative.
