FG mulls adoption of PPP to fund mega infrastructure projects in N-Delta

…Says region to enjoy robust economy, jobs and wealth creation

By Editor

Determined to fast track development of the Niger Delta region, the Federal Government has concluded arrangements to adopt Public Private Partnership, PPP, scheme in funding of mega infrastructure projects in the region.

The PPP scheme according to the government will create avenue to mobilize private sector resources and multilateral agencies towards creating a robust economy that guarantees jobs and wealth creation for the people of the region.

The government also noted that, the scheme would “Enthrone and comply strictly with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, Public Service Rules and Procedures as well as Financial Regulations in the operations of the Agency and the Ministry.”

This development was contained in the communique issued at the end of a two-day retreat held for top management staff of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, MNDA, and the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja.

The goal of the retreat the organizers explained was to sensitize the top management of the Ministry and the NDDC on the policy thrust of government, to reposition the NDDC through an effective collaboration with the Ministry.

The communique, resolved among other things to, “Rededicate to and comply with the ideals of transparency, accountability, innovation and corporate governance for improved service delivery.

“To institute a framework for partnership with States and other Stakeholders for joint need assessment, prioritization and project monitoring.

This according to it, will speed up infrastructural development in the Niger Delta Region and avoid overlaps /duplication of efforts.

The meeting also resolved to, “Finalize the hamonization of all development plans (the Niger Delta Action Plan, Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan (NDRDMP), IOCs Plans) and secure the concurrence of States and other Development Partners for effective implementation.

“Adopt collaboration and synergy as the bedrock of the oversight function of the MNDA in its relationship with the NDDC.

“Towards this end, a biannual management retreat is recommended to foster this relationship and by consequence improve service and project delivery.

“Further engagements to re-orient critical stakeholders in the region on peace building is necessary to consolidate the stability of the region.

“The carrying out of re-orientation advocacy to engender positive disposition to cooperation with Governments on development projects in the Niger Delta region is recommended.

“Focus on mega infrastructure projects through the adoption of Public Private Partnership, PPP, as a major funding option to mobilize private sector resources and multilateral agencies which would create a robust economy that guarantees jobs and wealth creation.

“And enthrone and comply strictly with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, Public Service Rules and Procedures as well as Financial Regulations in the operations of the Agency and the Ministry.”

The communique added, “The participants particularly expressed appreciation to the President President Muhamadu Buhari, the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly for their relentless efforts towards the development of the Niger Delta region.

“Pledged closer interface with the States of the Region and seek the express cooperation of the leadership of the States in this pursuit.”