NDDC Warns Communities Against Vandalising Projects in Cross River, Threatens Sanctions

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has issued a strong warning to traditional rulers, youths, and community leaders in Cross River State, stating that any community found vandalising its projects will be denied future interventions.

The warning was delivered on Friday by the commission’s Cross River State Director, Daniel Ajuwa, during a sensitisation programme held in Calabar. The event was organised to promote community ownership and the protection of NDDC intervention projects across the region.

Ajuwa expressed concern over the rising incidence of vandalism, particularly targeting solar-powered street lights provided by the commission. He noted that despite significant investment in critical infrastructure, some individuals have been caught on camera stealing components such as bulbs and poles for personal gain.

“This awareness campaign is very important. It helps in educating communities, civil society organisations, government agencies and youth groups on the need to safeguard projects executed by the commission across the Niger Delta,” Ajuwa said.

“So communities which fail to protect such facilities may be denied future interventions. The commission has invested huge resources in providing solar-powered street lights and other critical infrastructure across communities in the state, but it is very sad that some youths vandalise the facilities for personal gains.”

Ajuwa explained that the solar lighting initiative was approved by the NDDC Managing Director to enhance security and improve visibility at night in rural communities. He described the act of vandalism as disheartening and counterproductive to the development goals of the commission.

“We have resolved as a commission that any community that allows vandalism of our projects will not get any other intervention from NDDC. Communities must take ownership of these projects because they are meant for their benefit,” he added.

The sensitisation programme brought together over 100 participants, including representatives from security agencies, traditional institutions, government bodies, and community leaders.

A facilitator at the event, Dr. Carol-Bichene Ebuta, disclosed that available statistics indicate about 50 per cent of NDDC projects in the Niger Delta are no longer functional due to vandalism, abandonment, or poor maintenance. He called on residents to shift their perception of government projects and regard them as communal assets worth protecting.

“When NDDC brings solar lights to a community to address darkness and improve security, and people go ahead to vandalise them, it means they are putting their own community back in darkness,” Ebuta said.

He urged communities to establish local vigilance groups and mobilise youths to safeguard the facilities. He also stressed the importance of maintaining the environment around such projects to ensure they remain functional and beneficial to the people.