The Director General of the World Trade Organization, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, haz tasked the Niger Delta Development Company, NDDC, to find lasting solutions to the economic challenges currently plaguing the oil-rich region.

The Niger Delta has suffered environmental degradation in decades of oil and gas exploration.

Okonjo-Iweala gave the charge on Saturday during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the NDDC.

According to her, the neglect of the socio-economic prosperity of the region has led to widespread frustration, which has culminated in restiveness among the people.

The WTO boss urged NDDC to give special attention to the economic development of the Niger Delta.

“Let me first congratulate the NDDC for the work it has carried out for the people of the Niger Delta.

“If I’m a bit critical in my speech, you know me, I mean it for good, because I think you have done a lot, but you still have a lot to do.

“The NDDC was established in 2000 by former president Obasanjo, as a successor to OMPADEC, which had been in operation since the days of the military government. This was in response to the cries of marginalization and underdevelopment by the people of the Niger Delta, where Nigeria’s oil and gas resources are concentrated,” she said.