As the need to deliver sustainable development projects effectively in Niger Delta region arises, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) have today 10th of October, 2023, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to leverage shared aspirations, empower communities in the region, promote local content and capacity development, and work with stakeholders along the value chain.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Dr Philip Mshelbila, and the NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, during the signing process which occurred at the NLNG’s Corporate Head Office, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the presence of executives from both organisations.
While speaking, Dr Mshelbila, in his own view, announced that through the partnership with NDDC, NLNG aspires to set a precedent for how such collaborations can drive positive change in the Niger Delta region, bring the highest standards of project execution, share knowledge and build capacity with NDDC to make these outcomes feasible; adding that NLNG’s goal was to replicate the success of its projects and initiatives across the Niger Delta, working closely with NDDC to maximise the impact of collective efforts.
He maintained that their success is linked to the well-being and prosperity of the communities in which they operate, and at such, their ethical responsibility is to invest in projects and initiatives that empower these communities, promote social inclusion, foster economic growth, and to dedicate to the sustainable development of our host communities in health, education, economic, as well as infrastructural development.
“Today, we are proud to formalise our partnership with NDDC, an organisation empowered to deliver development projects in this vital region of our nation. At Nigeria LNG, our journey has always been guided by a commitment to seek strategic partners in sustainable development. This commitment is deeply rooted in our core values and principles, and it drives us to continuously explore innovative avenues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. Our partnership with NDDC is evidence of this commitment.
Moreso, the NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr Ogbuku, stated that the pact demonstrated unity towards sustainable development and that the commission is also dedicated to uplifting the Niger Delta region through targeted initiatives to enhance livelihoods, education, healthcare, socio-economic conditions; assuring that the organisation is seriously going to focus on empowering local communities through skills training, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, promote self-sufficiency, building a lasting relationships with state government, local communities, non-governmental organizations, and private enterprises to design and implement practical development projects within the Niger Delta region.
He noted that the MoU heralds a new era of collaboration for the betterment of the Niger Delta region, the nation; and that the partnership with NLNG underscores a shared commitment to inclusive governance and comprehensive development.
According to him as signed in the MoU, the agreement will promote harmonious relationships between the two organisations as an enabler for achieving a common goal of facilitating the sustainable and continuous development of the Niger Delta region through investment in development projects that will maintain peace and security in the region.
Furthermore, Dr. Ogbuku revealed that the MoU will also provide a framework for partnership between the organisations to maximise the impact of NLNG’s contributions to NDDC through effective delivery of development projects in the Niger Delta in an objective, judicious, transparent, sustainable, auditable manner and with due regards to accountability and global best practice.
He hinted that the NDDC and NLNG are poised to create a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for Nigeria and its people; adding that the NLNG is recognised as a significant player in the global LNG industry, committed to conducting its operations with environmental responsibility and contributing to monetising Nigeria’s invaluable natural resources.
“While the NDDC and NLNG each have unique missions, their common goals emphasized on sustainable development, socio-economic empowerment, local content promotion, capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration.
“This alliance represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey towards progress and prosperity. It is a testament to the power of unified action in addressing the complex challenges faced by the Niger Delta region and the nation.
“In the same vein, NDDC is committed to promoting sustainable development within the Niger Delta, focusing on the delicate balance between economic growth, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of local communities,” Dr. Ogbuku stated.
