The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has responded to recent criticism by actress and social commentator Hilda Dokubo over the issue of access to clean water in parts of the Niger Delta, describing her comments as unfair and one-sided.
In a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media & Publicity to the MD of NDDC, Dr Willie Etim, the Commission said Dokubo’s criticism failed to acknowledge the constitutional responsibilities of state and local governments in providing basic public utilities, including potable water.
The statement argued that while access to safe drinking water is a fundamental right of every citizen, it is misleading to place the responsibility solely on the NDDC, an intervention agency established to facilitate regional development rather than replace state and local governments.
According to the Commission, the provision of essential services such as water supply, primary healthcare and local roads falls primarily within the constitutional responsibilities of state governments and local government councils, which receive statutory allocations from the Federation Account to carry out such functions.
The NDDC expressed concern that public commentators often direct criticism at intervention agencies while overlooking institutions with primary responsibility for service delivery, saying such an approach distorts public understanding of governance and accountability.
Responding to Dokubo’s concerns over polluted water sources in parts of the Niger Delta, the Commission acknowledged the seriousness of the environmental challenges affecting many communities.
It however maintained that the discussion should also focus on the role of oil companies whose operations have contributed significantly to environmental degradation in the region.
The Commission noted that oil companies have obligations to their host communities through environmental remediation, corporate social responsibility programmes and compliance with environmental regulations.
Highlighting its interventions, the NDDC said it has executed several water projects across the region, including the emergency construction of a 10,000-gallon solar-powered water facility in Soku Community, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, as well as a solar-powered water scheme in Abraham Ojo Ama Community in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
According to the statement dated 26 June, 2026, these projects are part of the Commission’s commitment to improving access to potable water through sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy solutions, while also contributing to better public health and improved living conditions.
The Commission reiterated that its mandate is to drive large-scale regional development through infrastructure, environmental remediation, human capital development and the implementation of the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan, rather than assume the statutory responsibilities of state and local governments.
It further stressed that effective public advocacy should be based on a proper understanding of institutional roles and responsibilities, adding that meaningful accountability requires all stakeholders, including state governments, local government councils, oil companies and intervention agencies, to be held accountable for their respective obligations.
“The people of the Niger Delta deserve clean water, sustainable infrastructure and a healthy environment. Achieving these goals requires informed public discourse, shared responsibility and accountability from every institution entrusted with the welfare of the region,” the statement concluded.
