25th Anniversary: Niger Delta group SIN berates NDDC over lack of special focus to lift region from abject poverty

By Monday Peters, Abuja

Following the 25th anniversary celebration, Niger Delta group under the auspices of Save Ijaw Nation (SIN) has expressed outright disappointment over the lack of special focus of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC to lift the region from poverty and chronic underdevelopment.

In an official statement by the group signed by Comrade Yangaboy Erekedoumene Jonathan
National Convener, said that the NDDC was not a gift but was born from the pains, sacrifices, and strong voices of Niger Delta people—especially the Ijaws, citing that many gave their lives, ideas, and freedom to demand development and justice for the region.

The group further said that NDDC at 25 years, most Ijaw villages were still poor and undeveloped, many had no clean water, no good roads, no healthcare, and no quality schools, adding that billions of naira had entered the NDDC, but the average villagers still live in abject poverty.

According to the group, Across the Niger Delta, abandoned NDDC projects filled the land, some communities only got broken solar lights, noting that the NDDC had become a tool for the powerful—used more for politics and profit than for people and progress.

The full statement

SAVE IJAW NATION (SIN)

Official Statement on the 25th Anniversary of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
Date: July 13, 2025

As the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) celebrates 25 years of existence, Save Ijaw Nation (SIN) joins millions of Niger Deltans to reflect on this journey.

The NDDC was not a gift. It was born from the pain, sacrifice, and strong voice of Niger Delta people—especially the Ijaws. Many gave their lives, ideas, and freedom to demand development and justice for the region.

The Ijaw Nation stood firm in the face of neglect and exploitation. We led the fight against the injustice done to oil-producing communities. From peaceful protests to armed resistance, the struggle drew the attention of the federal government.

The NDDC is one of the results of that fight. It is funded mainly through the 13% derivation from oil wealth. That oil comes from the land and waters of the Niger Delta—mostly from Ijaw communities.

But after 25 years, what do we really have to show?

Most Ijaw villages are still poor and undeveloped. Many have no clean water, no good roads, no healthcare, and no quality schools. Billions of naira have entered the NDDC, but the average villager has seen little to no benefit.

Across the Niger Delta, abandoned NDDC projects fill the land. Some communities only got broken solar lights. The NDDC has become a tool for the powerful—used more for politics and profit than for people and progress.

The Federal Government has also failed. It often owes the NDDC money, delays funding, and breaks the rules for board appointments. At times, it runs the commission with illegal sole administrators, making it easy for corruption to grow.

This is not what the Ijaw people fought for.

Save Ijaw Nation (SIN) calls on the current NDDC board to rise to the occasion. This is a chance to change things.

We need real, lasting projects in our oil-producing communities—not handouts. The NDDC should train our youths in modern skills like Artificial Intelligence, Software Development, Engineering, Coding, Robotics, and Renewable Energy.

We need industries, not just boreholes. We want education that empowers, not just empty certificates. Our young people deserve careers, not crime. We need real development that reaches the creeks and the coastlines, not just the cities.

This 25th anniversary is a time to act, not just to clap. The Niger Delta deserves better. The Ijaw Nation demands it.

Let the next 25 years be different. Let them be about accountability, innovation, and impact. Let the NDDC truly serve the people whose pain gave it life.

Signed,
Comrade Yangaboy Erekedoumene Jonathan
National Convener
Save Ijaw Nation (SIN)
Email: saveijawnation@gmail.com