Obaseki: Gov seeks closer ties with EU on Niger-Delta Support Programme

Gov. Godwin Obaseki has advocated closer synergy between his administration and the European Union on the implementation of the Niger-Delta Support Programme (NDSP) to avoid duplication of efforts.

Obaseki said this when a delegation from the European Union (EU) paid him a courtesy visit at Government House in Benin on Monday.

The governor said the closer working ties were also necessary to guarantee sustainable development, especially in the areas of water sanitation and to check illegal migration.

“We must get our donor agencies to work together with us to avoid duplication and waste.

“Those programmes should be tired to our own internal reform programmes that are our priorities and will make us provide more services for the people,’’ the governor said.

Obaseki assured the EU delegation that his administration had put in place a system to help meet whatever standard in documentation and transparency as required in accessing funds.

Earlier, Mr Kurt Cornelis, the leader of European Union delegation, NDSP, commended Edo government for its commitment to the payment of its counterpart funding for the execution of the EU programmes in the state.

He said the state government had demonstrated high level of commitment in the implementation of E U programme, a development he was worthy of emulation.

“I hear that your government is really implementing the proposed reforms in water management, that is a positive aspect and very commendable as well as encouraging,” he said.