The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has called for the creation of a special court to handle oil related crimes such as oil theft, pipeline vandalism, piracy, and kidnapping in the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku made the call while speaking as a guest at the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu, themed “Stand Out, Stand Tall.”
He explained that delays in the regular court system have slowed justice and weakened the fight against crimes that harm Nigeria’s oil sector. According to him, a special court would speed up trials and serve as a strong deterrent. He added that keeping suspects in prison for long periods without trial was no longer effective or helpful to the economy.
The NDDC boss also urged the people of the Niger Delta to make use of the region’s Blue Economy opportunities, such as fishing, maritime trade, and coastal resources. He revealed that the Commission is already working on major coastal road projects, youth skill acquisition program, and a local scholarship scheme. He further assured that favoritism in the Commission’s activities would end.
In response, former senator Dino Melaye called for transparency in NDDC contracts and procurements, stressing that only openness would bring real benefits to the people of the oil rich region and create jobs for the youth.
The opening session of the NBA conference was declared open by Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, who stressed that no meaningful development can be achieved without a fair and trusted justice system. He outlined reforms in Enugu’s judiciary, including digitalizing court processes and improving judicial infrastructure.
Other highlights of the event included remarks by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, who warned against making justice a privilege for only the rich, and a keynote address by Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Malema called for Pan African unity, including a single currency, a common military command, and free movement across Africa. He urged the continent to industrialize its mineral wealth, reject exploitation, and end xenophobia.
