The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has warned youths across the Niger Delta that the era of collecting money from contractors handling development projects is over, urging communities to instead focus on protecting and sustaining projects meant for public benefit.
The warning came during a capacity building programme organised by the commission for stakeholders across the Niger Delta region, aimed at strengthening community ownership and protection of NDDC projects.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the Project Director, Ovie Mathias, expressed concern that some youths in host communities still demand money from contractors, a practice he said has contributed to the abandonment of several projects.
“I want to urge the youths from the communities to desist from demanding money from the contractors; the era of collecting money is gone, they need quality projects. Their actions have led to abandonment of projects,” Mathias said.
He stressed that communities must begin to prioritise long-term development benefits rather than short-term financial gains, noting that vandalism and interference often undermine the success of projects executed by the commission.
The Executive Director, Corporate Services of NDDC, Ifedayo Abegunde, said the stakeholder engagement was designed to empower communities to take responsibility for projects delivered in their areas.
Abegunde explained that the commission has spent over two decades supporting development in the region through infrastructure and youth development initiatives, but noted that sustainability remains a major concern.
According to him, stronger community participation is essential to ensuring that projects are protected and properly utilised.
Also speaking, the NDDC State Director, Patrick Obayelu, urged communities to actively safeguard projects and report any acts of vandalism.
He disclosed that the commission would also deploy monitoring teams to oversee projects across the region to ensure they are protected and maintained.
