NDDC begins negotiations to improve staff welfare

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated a committee to review the conditions of service for its employees.

The review aims to improve staff welfare and enhance efficient service delivery in the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Boma Iyaye, inaugurated the committee at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday.

Iyaye congratulated the committee members on their selection by NDDC management and the NDDC Staff Union.

He said clear conditions of service are essential for ensuring a structured and harmonious work environment.

“Without a contract, organisations cannot function effectively. If there are no conditions of service, people will not be guided properly,” he said.

Iyaye urged members to review the existing clauses in the conditions of service and correct identified errors and omissions.

He advised the committee to prioritise the commission’s interests above individual interests.

The NDDC official said the exercise seeks to balance staff welfare with organisational objectives through effective negotiation.

“We urge the committee not to rush the process; you have to study relevant provisions of the conditions and benchmark them against those of other government agencies,” he said.

The executive director further urged the committee to consider prevailing government regulations and practices, noting that the NDDC does not operate in isolation.

Iyaye reminded the committee that staff welfare must be balanced with the commission’s mandate to promote sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

“While negotiating the benefits, note that our mandate first is to the people of the Niger Delta and how to sustain the development of the region,” he said.

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The Director of Administration and Human Resources, Kelechi Nwelue, thanked the NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, for approving the review committee.

Nwelue described the inauguration as an important milestone for ensuring the commission’s conditions of service remain relevant, fair and responsive to changing workforce needs.

He said a periodic review of staff policies is necessary to reflect current realities, organisational needs and applicable regulations.

He urged committee members to approach the assignment with commitment, integrity, patience, and a spirit of cooperation.

Members of the committee include the Directors of Administration and Human Resources, Finance and Accounts, Internal Audit, Planning, Research and Statistics, and Legal Services.

Others are representatives of the NDDC Staff Union and various departments of the commission.