The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Dr. Zainab Marwa as a member of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), representing the North-East geopolitical zone.
Her confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on the NDDC during plenary.
Presenting the committee’s report, the Chairman of the Committee on NDDC, Senator Patrick Ndubueze (APC, Imo), said President Bola Tinubu had forwarded Marwa’s nomination to the Senate for confirmation in line with the provisions of the law establishing the commission.
He explained that after receiving the President’s request, the Senate referred the nomination to the committee, which carried out the required legislative process before making its recommendation.
According to Ndubueze, the committee conducted an open screening of the nominee to assess her qualifications, competence, integrity, experience and readiness to serve on the board.
He said members of the committee carefully examined her academic and professional credentials as well as other relevant documents submitted during the screening exercise.
The lawmaker told the Senate that the committee was satisfied that Marwa possessed the necessary qualifications and experience required for the position.
“Having carefully screened the nominee and considered all relevant documents submitted, the committee is satisfied that she possesses the requisite qualifications, experience, integrity and competence required for the appointment,” Ndubueze said.
He added that the committee unanimously recommended that the Senate confirm her appointment as the member representing the North-East geopolitical zone on the NDDC Governing Board.
Following the presentation of the report, senators considered the committee’s recommendation and approved Marwa’s nomination without opposition.
The confirmation completes another stage in the process of strengthening the leadership of the intervention agency responsible for driving development across the Niger Delta region.
Speaking after the confirmation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the Committee on NDDC for handling the assignment promptly.
He also appreciated senators for their contributions during the consideration of the report.
Akpabio congratulated Marwa on her confirmation and expressed confidence that she would make meaningful contributions to the work of the commission.
“I wish the confirmed nominee, Dr. Zainab Marwa, well as a member of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission. I hope that her contribution will enhance the development and progress of the Niger Delta region,” he said.
Although Marwa will represent the North-East geopolitical zone on the board, her role, like those of other board members, will involve contributing to policy decisions and oversight aimed at improving the commission’s performance.
The NDDC was established in 2000 by the Federal Government to address decades of neglect, environmental degradation and poor infrastructure in the oil-producing communities of the Niger Delta.
The commission is responsible for initiating and implementing projects in areas such as roads, electricity, water supply, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and environmental protection across the nine oil-producing states.
Over the years, the NDDC has played a key role in funding infrastructure and human capital development projects in the region. However, the agency has also faced criticism over allegations of poor project execution, abandoned contracts and financial mismanagement.
Successive administrations have introduced reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and the delivery of projects by the commission.
The Governing Board is expected to provide policy direction, strengthen oversight and ensure that the commission carries out its mandate effectively.
Board members are also expected to work closely with the management of the commission and relevant stakeholders to promote sustainable development and improve the living conditions of people in the Niger Delta.
President Tinubu’s administration has repeatedly stated its commitment to repositioning key government agencies, including the NDDC, to deliver better results and support national development.
The confirmation of Marwa comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to strengthen institutions responsible for regional development and improve service delivery across the country.
With the Senate’s approval, Marwa is now expected to formally assume her responsibilities as a member of the NDDC Governing Board, where she will join other members in shaping policies and programmes aimed at accelerating development in the Niger Delta.