Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers has advised the governing board members of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to focus on regional projects to help develop the region.

Mr Wike gave the advice during a courtesy visit by members of the NDDC governing board led by its chairman, Lauretta Onochie, on Friday in Port Harcourt.

He urged the governing board to embrace the conceptualisation and implementation of projects like constructing highways with bridges to link states.

He said that such projects would serve as economic corridors to ease interstate movements and promote socio-economic integrations within the region.

According to him, such big-ticket projects will positively impact the lives of people in the region, urging the commission to support the Niger Delta region in its development efforts effectively.

He further said it was important that the states are aware of the projects and programmes NDDC was planning to implement to avoid duplication of projects.

The governor lamented that the amount of money that had passed through the NDDC was not commensurate with the development on ground.

Mr Wike advised NDDC to avoid awarding contracts to politicians who cannot execute quality projects.

He stressed the importance of collaboration and expressed displeasure on a situation where the NDDC embarks on projects and programmes without liaising with the state governments for harmonisation.

The governor also said the board members should resist pressure from politicians who would want them to dance to their selfish tunes.

Earlier in her remarks, the NDDC chairman said the commission was determined to partner with the governors of the Niger Delta region.

Ms Onochie said the execution of many projects and development that had taken place in the state by Mr Wike’s administration was amazing and commendable.

She said the new board under her leadership would emulate the outstanding performance of the Rivers government.

(NAN)