NDDC Tells Niger Delta Communities To Take Ownership And Protect Government Projects From Vandalism

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has called on traditional rulers, community leaders and residents across the Niger Delta to take collective responsibility for the protection of public infrastructure in their communities.

The Commission made the call at a Stakeholders’ Forum on Public Infrastructure and Vandalism Prevention held in Port Harcourt.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said while it is the duty of government to provide basic amenities, it is the responsibility of communities to protect them.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, said vandalism of public infrastructure affects communities and individuals more than the government.

He explained that when public infrastructure is vandalised, funds meant for new projects are diverted to repair damaged facilities, which slows down development.

According to him, the aim of government is to focus on infrastructure, but the big question is how to protect it after it is built. He noted that development strengthens security and security protects development.

Ogbuku urged community leaders not to see government projects in their areas as government property alone but as their own property that must be protected against vandalism, theft and destruction.

He said there is a need to create awareness and educate citizens that projects executed by government belong to the community. He added that the region must build a culture where vandalism becomes socially unacceptable.

The NDDC boss also called on residents, youth groups, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to take ownership of roads, bridges, electricity facilities, water projects, schools, health centres and other public infrastructure, and to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

In his remarks, the NDDC Director of Community and Rural Development, Engr Theophilus Alagoa, lamented that vandals are destroying government facilities in communities and nobody is taking responsibility.

He said the forum was organised to inform and educate the people that government projects are community property and must be protected.

Alagoa warned that vandalising, stealing or destroying government projects is a serious crime and an act of economic sabotage. He said such acts not only lead to loss of valuable public resources but also affect the delivery of essential services and increase the cost of maintaining infrastructure.

Also speaking, the event facilitator, Mr Ibiyekaribo Inko-Tariah, urged participants to suggest practical solutions to the problem of vandalism, theft and destruction of government projects in the Niger Delta.

He said the programme was organised as part of efforts to safeguard government funded projects and ensure that critical infrastructure continues to serve the people.

The statement was signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs, on September 27, 2026.