The Niger Delta Development Commission has reiterated its commitment to improving staff capacity and strengthening project supervision across the Niger Delta region through continuous training and professional development.

Speaking at a two-day workshop organised for staff of the Directorate of Project Monitoring and Supervision, the Director of the department, Engr. Gbenga Omowanle, described the programme as both an induction exercise for new employees and a refresher course for existing staff.

The workshop, themed “Building Competence for Effective Project Oversight and Development Outcomes,” was aimed at equipping participants with the practical knowledge and technical skills required for efficient project monitoring within the Commission.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the training focused on exposing staff to the Commission’s monitoring procedures and operational guidelines.

Omowanle explained that every official in the Project Monitoring and Supervision Directorate must understand the processes involved in effective monitoring and evaluation of projects executed by the Commission.

He noted that the programme would also help reinforce professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality among staff members while carrying out their responsibilities.

The director commended the Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, for approving the workshop for the benefit of staff in the directorate.

Speaking during the training, the lead consultant, Mr Dagogo Tolofari, stressed the importance of modern technology and technical expertise in ensuring quality supervision of infrastructural projects.

Tolofari said the workshop was designed to expose participants to real-life field experiences and tactics often used by contractors, while also introducing them to modern project monitoring tools and contemporary oversight methods.

A resource person at the event, Dr Dada Joseph, who delivered a lecture on ethical conduct in supervision, identified corruption and unethical practices as major obstacles to effective project monitoring.

He urged staff members to remain transparent and accurately document their observations during field assignments without compromising professional standards.

Joseph advised participants not to allow contractors to influence their duties, stressing that loyalty to the Commission and commitment to accountability should remain their priority.

One of the participants, Engr. Akpekpe Jairus, said the workshop had broadened the understanding of staff regarding project tracking and supervision.

He explained that the introduction of the Project Monitoring Information System had made it easier for staff in state offices to access project details remotely without travelling to the Commission’s headquarters.