HAS NIGER DELTA DEVELOMENT COMMISSION ACHIEVED ITS FUNCTIONS?

Abstract

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) enabling law was enacted in 2000 and in 2004 the commission was set up with the main purpose of ameliorating the impact of environmental degradation and development of the oil-producing region. The enabling law identified the ten major functions of NDDC, which were further subdivided into twenty. This paper examined the level of achievement of these functions by NDDC. Purposive sampling was adopted to select thirty estate surveyors and valuers with the knowledge of the region and were required to rate the level of achievement of the functions. Out of the questionnaire administered online 73 percent was returned and were analysed using weighted mean score.

The results revealed that of the twenty functions of NDDC assessed 14 (70%) were not achieved while the remaining 6 (30%) were not adequately realised. Some of those not accomplished were transportation infrastructure, healthcare, physical and socio -economic development. Agriculture, electricity and preparation of master plan and schemes for physical development of the region were not adequately realised. In conclusion there is need for detailed appraisal of the commission to correct lapses for greater performance in meeting the needs of the Niger Delta region.