Former President Goodluck Jonathan has blamed the high number of abandoned projects in the Niger Delta on the frequent changes in the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Speaking on Saturday at the plenary session of the NDDC’s 25th anniversary celebration in Port Harcourt, Jonathan said the instability at the top of the Commission had significantly hindered the completion of development projects in the region.
The former president emphasized the need for continuity in leadership, noting that constant replacement of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) has undermined long-term planning and execution of critical infrastructure.
He clarified that most of the projects were not deliberately abandoned but became casualties of disrupted planning cycles due to abrupt leadership changes. According to him, such instability often forces agencies to prioritize contractor-driven projects over well-structured, development-focused plans.
Jonathan’s remarks come amid renewed calls for reform within the NDDC to enhance its efficiency and impact on the oil-producing region.