NDDC Inaugurates Committee To Review Staff Terms And Conditions Of Service

PORT HARCOURT – The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has inaugurated a Committee on Negotiation and Review of Staff Terms and Conditions of Service as part of efforts to strengthen staff welfare and improve service delivery across the Niger Delta region.

The committee was inaugurated at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, who said the review was necessary to provide a clear framework for employer-employee relations and ensure a structured work environment.

Mr. Iyaye told members that terms and conditions of service form the basis for organisational stability and accountability.

“Without a contract, organisations cannot function effectively. If there are no conditions of service, people will not be guided properly. Management could decide to remove staff benefits and nobody would question it,” he said. “But when we have laid down principles for both staff and management, we will have a more organised work environment.”

He noted that the committee has representation from management, staff and the union, and urged members to undertake a clause-by-clause review of the existing document, correct errors, and address omissions from the previous exercise.

The Executive Director advised the committee to prioritise the overall interest of the Commission and to benchmark the NDDC’s conditions against those of other government agencies and relevant regulations. He added that the review should not be rushed, but guided by thorough study and prevailing best practices.

Mr. Iyaye further stressed the need to balance staff welfare with the Commission’s statutory mandate.
“Our mandate first is to the people of the Niger Delta and how to sustain the development of the region. While negotiating the benefits of staff, also know that we have a mandate to achieve, which is to ensure the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region,” he stated.

Also speaking at the event, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, thanked the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for approving the review. He described the inauguration as a milestone in ensuring that the Commission’s staff policies remain fair, responsive and aligned with current realities.

“For the NDDC to effectively fulfil its mandate and make a meaningful difference in the Niger Delta region, its policies and staff terms and conditions of service must be periodically reviewed to reflect current realities, organisational needs and applicable regulations,” Sir Nwelue said. He urged members to approach the assignment with commitment, integrity and cooperation.

The committee is chaired by the Director of Administration and Human Resources. Other members include the Directors of Finance and Accounts, Internal Audit, Planning, Research and Statistics, and Legal Services, as well as the Chairman and Secretary of the NDDC Staff Union and representatives from various departments of the Commission.