The Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on the Niger Delta Development Company (NDDC) to proffer sustainable solutions to the economic challenges currently bedevilling the Niger Delta.

Her advice comes as the oil-producing region suffers from environmental degradation from decades of oil and gas exploration.

Okonjo-Iweala, who was critical in her choice of words while delivering her address during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Commission over the weekend, said the neglect of the socio-economic prosperity of the region has resulted in widespread frustration, which has culminated in restiveness among the people.

She called on NDDC to give “special attention” to the economic development of the Niger Delta.

Unprecedented oil spillage, which has been ongoing for the past five decades, has made the region one of the most polluted in the world.

The heavy contamination of the air, ground and water with toxic pollutants is often used as an example of ecocide.