By Ikenna Omeje
 
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reopened its headquarters in Port-Harcourt, after two weeks shutdown.
Following the sudden death of the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NDDC, Chief Ibanga Bassey Etang, the commission some weeks back shut down its headquarters, which it said was a sort of precautionary measure because of the fear occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic, noting that it does not mean that Etang died of the virus. Days after, it announced that the late director tested positive for COVID-19.
A statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Charles Obi Odili on Wednesday, noted that only Staff from Grade 14 and above and those on essential duties are directed to resume while staff on other grade levels are to remain at home pending directives from the Federal Government.
The Commission informed that it will not be open to visitors, adding that  the Acting Managing Director, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, and the Acting Executive Director Projects, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, will be working from its new headquarters building at the Eastern bye pass.
The statement reads: “The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, will re-open its head office on Thursday, June 18, after a two week lockdown to allow for the fumigation of the premises. The lockdown was in obedience to public health directives from the Rivers State Ministry of Health, following cases of COVID 19 infections.
The statement says, “Only Staff from Grade 14 and above and those on essential duties are directed to resume. Staff on other grade levels are to remain at home pending directives from the Federal Government.
“Meanwhile the Acting Managing Director, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, and the Acting Executive Director Projects, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, will operate from the new headquarters building at the Eastern bye pass, Pot Harcourt.
“The Commission will not be open to visitors.”