Why there are abandoned projects in Niger Delta – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has attributed the high number of abandoned projects in the Niger Delta to the frequent changes in the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Speaking on Saturday during the plenary session marking the NDDC’s 25th anniversary in Port Harcourt, Jonathan stressed the need for stability in the commission’s leadership to ensure that development projects are completed.

He explained that the regular replacement of Chief Executive Officers at the NDDC had significantly hindered the completion of many projects. According to him, while the commission’s managers did not deliberately abandon projects, the instability made it difficult to see them through.

Jonathan also noted that because proper long-term planning becomes impossible under such conditions, the commission often resorts to contractor-driven projects instead of systematic, planning-based development.