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Tag: Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

  • NDDC advocates alternative dispute resolution to promote peace in N/Delta

    NDDC advocates alternative dispute resolution to promote peace in N/Delta

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has advocated the use of alternative dispute resolution in promoting peace, transparency, accountability, and integrity in the workplace.

    The Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, spoke during a Sensitisation Programme with the theme: ‘Promoting Transparency and Due Process in the Workplace: Deploying Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Approaches in Building a Culture of Accountability and Integrity,’ organised by the Commission’s Department of Dispute and Conflict Resolution in Port Harcourt.

    Ogbuku, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Rev. Julius Oworibo, said:  “I’m impressed by the quality and timeliness of this programme. ADR is a critical tool in achieving a lot in the Commission. Transparency entails being open about how decisions are made in the workplace.

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    Through due process, the rights of staff are protected, and trust is fostered in the Commission. The ADR mechanisms can be used to reduce tension in the workplace. These mechanisms include mediation and facilitation, amongst others.

    “Over time, this approach fosters a workplace where integrity, fairness, and trust are the norm and are at the forefront of fulfilling our mandate in the region. Employees begin to trust that issues are handled openly and fairly. Do not forget that we are a team.

    “To make a difference, fairness must be established across the board. ADR is not just about solving problems; it is ensuring that these are a part of our everyday work life,” he noted.

    In his remarks, the NDDC’s Acting Director of Dispute and Conflict Resolution, Godwin Ogedegbe, reiterated that alternative dispute resolution was critical to achieving the Commission’s vision.

    He said: “The theme of this programme captures the core of what we seek to achieve in our Commission: a workplace where every action is expected to be guided by openness, fairness, and a steadfast commitment to due process.

    “Where conflicts are not merely resolved, but prevented through structured, principled processes; and where accountability and integrity are not aspirational ideals but everyday practice.”

    In his keynote presentation, the Founder of the Centre for Constitutionalism and Demilitarisation (CENCOD), Professor Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, underlined the importance of due process in the workplace.

    He added: “The importance of due process, transparency, integrity, and accountability in the workplace cannot be overemphasised. It is healthy for productivity and achievement of organisational goals.

    “For workplace ethics to blossom, it requires ethical leadership that leads by example and employees with work engagement character who are not afraid to communicate honest advice to management.”

    The Director, Centre for Politics, University of Port Harcourt, Professor Fidelis Allen, highlighted the effectiveness of ADR while speaking on the subtheme: “Strengthening Organisational Governance for Transparency and Accountability: Integrating Alternative Dispute Resolution in Workplace Conflict Management.”

    “ADR enhances transparent and accountable governance within organisations by promoting open dialogue, fostering a culture of responsibility, and implementing accountability protocols.

    “These approaches ensure that disputes are resolved efficiently and equitably, with mutually agreed-upon outcomes that are more likely to be adhered to by all parties involved,” he noted.

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Dispute Resolution Academy, Dr Olugbenga Gbarada, in his presentation subthemed “Promoting Ethical Standards and Institutional Integrity,” noted that institutions such as the NDDC should uphold fairness by building strong systems.

  • NDDC’s 25th anniversary: Matters arising

    NDDC’s 25th anniversary: Matters arising

    By Braeyi Ekiye

    Credit must be given to former president, Olusegun Obasanjo for his desperation in finding ‘lasting solution’ to the festering crisis in the Niger Delta. In spite of being the economic and financial muscle of the Nigerian state since 1956 when petroleum was found in the region, the Niger Delta has remained underdeveloped.

    When he assumed office on May 1, 1999, he was faced with restiveness by the youths of the region, manifesting in their clamour and protest for resources ownership and control, mitigation of environmental degradation and a more equitable, participatory and just administration of the Nigerian state.

    The youths anchored their grievances against the backdrop of a skewed oil and gas wealth distribution, marginalization, colossal ecological damages and lack of opportunities in the petroleum industry.

    The ensuing unrest in the region, which witnessed blockages, attacks on oil facilities and kidnap of oil workers sent a very strong signal to the federal authorities that the youths of the Niger Delta meant business, this time around.

    President Obasanjo saw the disturbing situation as most opportune time to make a marked difference in re-writing the narrative of the unpardonable underdevelopment in the region.

    With military dispatch, Obasanjo engaged critical stakeholders in the region, to wit: leaderships of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), traditional rulers and chiefs, and opinion leaders to find an enduring solution to the crisis which was already having a devastating effect on the economy.

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     Arising from the far-reaching consultations, the president set in motion the process of establishing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) through the National Assembly. Subsequently, a law creating the NDDC was signed by President Obasanjo in 2000. The sole mandate of the commission was sustainable, holistic development of the oil-rich Niger Delta. 

    Twenty years after NDDC’s creation, can we frankly say that the commission has creditably dispensed its mandate? It is not that those saddled with the responsibility to actualize this mandate since its creation, 25 years ago, lacked the commitment and will, and the expertise to galvanize the work force to attain set goals; but the centralization of the commission in terms of directives and supervision from the central and other powerful arms of government, including politicians, have all combined to make the NDDC’s performance profile uninspiring and a negation of the mandate assigned it. And this has gone on unchecked. This is why the public perceives chief executives of the commission, over time, as lame ducks, with little or no authority to exercise their key or core mandate, especially in areas of promoting physical and socio-economic development, such as infrastructure, flood and erosion control, health care, education, food security, and environmental management.

    It is a known fact that the NDDC has been used overtime, for purposes other than the advancement of the underdeveloped region and her poverty stricken people. Have we forgotten so soon, Senator Godswill Akpabio’s marathon ‘Forensic Audit’ of the NDDC which documented a total of 133, 777 contracts for projects and programmes awarded to contractors and consultants in the Niger Delta states from 2001 – 2019, with a total value of N3,274,206,032,213.24?

    Akpabio further said that the auditors also interrogated funding gaps, irregularities, mismanagements, and due process violations/conflicts of interest, among others, while presenting the forensic audit report to former president, late Muhammadu Buhari at the State House on September 2, 2021.

    The fact that the federal government still sits on the audit almost four years after, piques the mind.

    Viewed against this backdrop, one must give credit to the commitment of the administration of the NDDC under the leadership of Samuel Ogbuku. To discerning minds, the board and management has so far, shown a commendable measure of accountability and performance bond with the people of the region and their environment; albeit a lot more need be done to give the Niger Delta the development stature it deserves considering the enormous resources from that region accruing to the Federal Government, and the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Worthy of mention of the achievements of the Ogbuku administration are, its legacy project, ‘Operation Light the Niger Delta’ which has received accolades, even though many more communities in the vast Niger Delta are yet to benefit from it; also, the commission’s attempt at roads and bridges construction and other infrastructural projects, including youth empowerment drive through skills acquisition and award of scholarships needs to be commended.

    But, let me say, that the core mandate of holistic physical and socio-economic development and tackling of ecological and environmental problems in the region are yet a far cry and need pragmatic and accelerated intervention.

    This is where the recent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reaffirmation of the significance of the Niger Delta region to Nigeria’s economic prosperity rings a bell. The president, in a message at the 25th anniversary celebration of the NDDC described the Niger Delta as “the goose that lays the golden egg”. And the submissive, patient and longsuffering goose has continued to lay this egg ‘unabated’ for the past 70 years, and still in counting. If equity and justice were to prevail in resources ownership and control, and a sane and acceptable revenue allocation formula in place, would the Niger Delta region still remain ‘poor, neglected and backward’, as the 1958 Sir Henry Willink Commission Report Alluded?

    The president in his message also directed the board and management of the NDDC, through the Minister of the South-South Regional Development Commission, to complete and deliver abandoned critical projects in the region. President Tinubu also expressed confidence that the legacy 750-Kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will serve as a viable alternative to the East-West Road. In his opinion, the flagship project will foster trade and connectivity across the region while opening up new investment prospects in the growth of eco-tourism and blue economy-based industries in the region.

    There is no doubt that these projects, when completed would foster accelerated socio-economic growth and development and enhance speedy and safe transportation of men, goods and services in the region. Government’s move in this direction is therefore, commendable.

    While we await these legacy projects to be completed and put to use, the compelling need to squarely address the urgent socio-economic and infrastructural deficits of the region cannot be overemphasized.

    A potent option in addressing the sorry state of the development profile of the Niger Delta is the opening up of the region through road and modern water transportation systems to vitalize the variegated economies and opportunities the oil industries provides in the region.  It should be noted that while Lagos, Abuja and some other states are awash with modern infrastructure and huge economic and financial enterprises which are catalysts to accelerated socio-economic growth and development, the Niger Delta states are left gasping for such transformation. The Niger Delta case should therefore, not be different. This can be done if the political will is there, and justice is seen to be done.

    It would be a herculean task for interventionist developmental agencies of government, which are at best, parastatals, to carry out such flagship or legacy projects for the urgent holistic development of the Niger Delta.

    It therefore behoves the Tinubu administration to dramatically change the parlous developmental narrative of the Niger Delta and bring it in line with modern city states, bubbling with uninterrupted business and commercial activities for the sustainability of her citizens.

    What Niger Delta needs is a well-articulated perspective development plan akin to the 1948 Marshall Plan that was launched in Western Europe after the World War II aimed at rebuilding war torn economies and create stable markets. The Niger Delta region can be said to be at developmental war, so the federal government, IOCs, state and international development agencies should, as a matter of priority, collaborate in providing significant, visible and sustainable development of this petroleum-rich region.

    •Ekiye, a publisher, writes from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

  • NDDC: Covering up corruption

    NDDC: Covering up corruption

    Controversy about an unreleased forensic audit report marred the 25th anniversary celebration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).  Interestingly, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike had drawn attention to the yet-to-be-released report while making corruption-related allegations against the wife of a former minister of transportation under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Rotimi Amaechi. He claimed she was linked to a company that allegedly received N4bn monthly from the NDDC supposedly for training women in the Niger Delta—totalling N48bn per year.  

    Wike, who spoke in a television interview on July 4, also alleged that implicated individuals in the previous administration blocked the report’s release. He urged President Bola Tinubu to “help Nigerians” by releasing the report.

    As if on cue, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), in a letter dated July 5, demanded that President Tinubu should order an investigation of the alleged blocking of the report’s release, stating, “your government has a constitutional responsibility to publish it and act upon its recommendations.” SERAP argued that “The continued failure to publish the audit report undermines public trust and confidence, particularly of victims of corruption in the Niger Delta who have waited far too long for justice and accountability.”

    The non-governmental and non-profit organisation, founded in Nigeria in 2004, “aims to use human rights law to encourage the government and others to address developmental and human rights challenges such as corruption, poverty, inequality and discrimination.”

    When ex-President Buhari, in October 2019, ordered a forensic audit of the agency’s operations from 2001 to 2019, the move suggested that his administration’s anti-corruption campaign had finally reached the NDDC. 

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    At the time, the Federal Government had lamented the “uncompleted and unverified development projects” in the region “in spite of the huge resources made available to uplift the living standards of the citizens.”

     The government had said there were “over 13,777 projects, the execution of which is substantially compromised,” even though the commission got “approximately N6tn” from “budgetary allocation” and “income from statutory and non-statutory sources,” from 2001 to 2019.

    The audit was reported to have started in April 2020.  The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a contract of N318m for the engagement of a lead consultant for the audit. It was curious that the exercise took well over a year.

    After a long delay, the Federal Government received the NDDC forensic audit report in September 2021. According to reports, among the recommendations, presented by the Lead Forensic Auditor, Tabir Ahmed, was that the NDDC should be made to operate within the limits of its annual budget and ensure that only projects budgeted for are awarded each fiscal year.

    The audit report also recommended that mobilisation payment be abolished, and the agency should employ project consultants to ensure accurate supervision and valuation of projects. Additionally, the report recommended that the agency should adopt a standard for costing contracts with appropriate profit margins.

     The Federal Government had said it “will apply the law to remedy the deficiencies outlined in the audit report as appropriate.” The government added: “This will include but not be limited to the initiation of criminal investigations, prosecution, recovery of funds not properly utilised for the public purposes for which they were meant for amongst others.” The goal is to improve the standard of living of the people of the Niger Delta “through the provision of adequate infrastructural and socio-economic development,” the government said.

    Four years later, it is unsurprising that the non-release and non-implementation of the audit report is an explosive issue.  After the tough talk of the Buhari administration, there is no sign that the Federal Government meant what it said.  It is unclear whether the delay in implementing the report is because those implicated in the underdevelopment of the Niger Delta are trying to prevent the government from taking action against them.

    The Tinubu administration needs to demonstrate that it is against the region’s underdevelopment by implementing the report.  There is no doubt that the NDDC, established in 2000 by the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration, has failed to develop the Niger Delta as expected.   Ironically, it is supposed to be a development agency, but has been identified as a major agent of underdevelopment in the oil-rich region. 

     For instance, SERAP’s letter said “The missing N6 trillion and over 13,000 abandoned projects in the Niger Delta have continued to have a negative impact on the human rights of Nigerians, undermining their access to basic public goods and services, such as education, healthcare, and regular and uninterrupted electricity supply.”

    The first commercial oil discovery in the country happened in Oloibiri in present-day Bayelsa State, in 1956; and the first oil field began production in 1958. More than six decades later, the story of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta is a continuing story.  Nigeria is a major producer of oil in Africa and the world. It is inexcusable that many communities in the region that produces the country’s oil wealth reflect not only a lack of prosperity but also perplexing poverty.

    Significantly, at an event to mark NDDC’s landmark 25th anniversary in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on July 12, the Director of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, noted that “Over N7tn has been sunk into the NDDC since inception. How many solid roads have you built? The Niger Delta still ranks low on human development. A lot needs to be done to meet the aspirations of the people.”

    At the same ceremony, President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, described the Niger Delta as “the goose that lays the golden egg,” stating he had directed the NDDC “to complete and deliver abandoned critical projects” and “continue to prioritise human capital development.”

    It is puzzling that the Federal Government has not addressed the question of non-release and non-implementation of the NDDC forensic audit report, which is an issue of public interest. The government must not pretend to be unaware of the issue. It may be accused of covering up corruption. 

    In the context of releasing and implementing the audit report, the Federal Government must prosecute corruption suspects and recover the proceeds of corruption not only to ensure justice but also to achieve deterrence.

  • NDSF: NDDC challenges committee on seamless outing

    NDSF: NDDC challenges committee on seamless outing

    The Executive Director of Finance and Administration of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Honourable  Alabo Boma Iyaye, has urged members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) to organise a successful festival that will be a benchmark for other regions in the country.

    Iyaye, who also is the Chairman of the committee spoke at the impressive ceremony for the inauguration of the MOC inside the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, remarked that the NDDC was marking its 25th anniversary with the first intervention in sports which is aimed at offering youths in the nine mandate states the platform to engage their minds and curb delinquent behaviours.

    “The region is known for providing over 60 percent of sportsmen and women who represent Nigeria at international sports events and we have observed a decline in the numbers.

    “The NDDC therefore resolved to reverse the decline by supporting the festival to offer the youths a platform to find expression for their talents”, Iyaye told the gathering which included Sports Commissioners from the nine member states.

    He assured the youths that the Commission will not relent in supporting the festival in the future to sustain a steady discovery and nurturing of identified talents.

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    Daniel Igali, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports and Chairman of the NDDC body of states Commissioners for Sports, commended the Commission for the initiative which he said will enable the states to reclaim their front line role in contributing champions to the country’s sports contingents in all games.

    Co-Chairman of the MOC, Itiako Ikpokpo assured the NDDC that the Festival is on course to meet and surpass set objectives.

    “We are at the very important stage in the implementation of the festival plans. Facilities are being renovated and upgraded. Members have been up and running to ensure a resounding success for the festival which promises to be high in the quality of organisation,” he promised on behalf of the members.

    The nine state’s Commissioners of sports are members of the MOC which also has some management staff of the NDDC, a representative of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and those of Dunamis Icon, consultants to the project.

    Over 3000 athletes, 600 coaches and 500 officiating officials are expected at the festival holding between  April 1 and 9 in Akwa Ibom State.

    MAIN ORGANISING COMMITTEE

    1. Alabo Boma Iyaye Chairman, EDFA, NDDC

    2. Itiako Ikpokpo, Co-Chairman, Project Consultant

    3. Davies Okarevu, NDDC

    4. Barr. Salami Okogie, NDDC

    5. Barr. Victor Arenyeka, NDDC

    6. ⁠Mrs.Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC

    7. Allwell Egwurugu, NDDC

    8. ⁠Onome Obruthe, Dunamis Icon

    9. Ono K. Akpe, Dunamis Icon

    10. Enefiok Udo-Obong, Dunamis Icon

    11. Dr Ochuko Igbigbisie, Dunamis Icon

    12. Hon Fred Edoreh, Dunamis Icon

    13. Lady Rose Nsa Bassey, Host State, Akwa Ibom

    14. Mr. Paul Bassey, Akwa Ibom State, Akwa Ibom

    15. Daniel Igali, Bayelsa State

    16. Barr Chris Green, Rivers State

    17. Hon Obinna Onyeocha, Imo State

    18. Mrs Agnes Atsu, Cross River State

    19. Hon Nwaobilor Ananaba, Abia State

    20. Hon Onoriode Oborevwori, Delta State

    21. Hon Desmond Enabulele, Edo State

    22. Mrs Titi Adeyemi, Ondo State

    Heads of Local Organising Sub-Committees                                                            

    1. Mr. Enefiok Udo-Ubong               (Technical)

    2. Engr Evong Moduck Evong (Accommodation)              

    3. Mr Israel Ummerri(Transportation)

    4. Dr George Uzonwanne(Medical Services)

    5. Mr Edgar Okpozo (Security Services)

    6. Mr. Kufre Etukudo(Facilities/Equipment)              

    7. Chinyere Clara Braide (Protocol Services)   

    8. Mrs Inyang Etim Udoh(Catering Services)                                           

    9. Mr Richard Mofe Damijo (Cultural Expo)

    10.Mr. Harrison Iwuala Harrison(Media/Publicity,)

    11. Mr. Godwin Enakhena (Scouting and Mentorship)

    12. Dr. Eyibrayila Ladi Awofeso (Secretariat Services).

  • Contractors back NDDC chief

    Contractors back NDDC chief

    Niger Delta Indigenous Contractors Association (NDICA)  has pledged to collaborate with Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to achieve its mandate of facilitating development.

     Speaking with reporters  in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital,  Acting President, Christopher Apolloss, applauded NDDC management, led by Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for its impactful leadership.

     He lauded the Ogbuku-led management for being accountable and transparent and called on stakeholders to support the commission.

     He described Dr Ogbuku as “a seasoned administrator and a true son of Niger Delta  who understands challenges and plight of the people.”

     “Ogbuku has shown a high level of transparency since he assumed office. This has promoted unity and harmony among workers, management and board members and ensured that the people work in synergy with international oil companies, states, communities, and other stakeholders for purposeful development.”

     Apolloss hailed the achievements recorded since inception of the Ogbuku administration, saying his leadership quality was a testament to his commitment and dedication to development of Niger Delta.

    Highlighting some achievements of Ogbuku, Apolloss said he had impacted lives positively through people-oriented projects and programmes.

     He identified achievements, as youth empowerment, solar light projects to enhance security, road projects, and rural intervention projects.

     Apolloss  went on: “The activities of the NDDC are in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as evidenced in the youth development programme, where they are empowered through skill acquisition schemes to make them independent entrepreneurs.”

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     “The recent launch of the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, under which over 10,000 youths will receive a monthly allowance of N50,000, is another good initiative introduced by the Ogbuku administration.”

     Apolloss praised the NDDC Managing Director’s various interventionist projects and programmes, including the “Light Up the Niger Delta” project, using solar-powered street lights.

     He confirmed that the NDDC solar streetlights had reduced criminality in the region’s nine states, hailing it as a game-changer that lit up remote communities. He said the association was also happy that NDDC was working towards rolling out solar-powered water projects across the region to solve the problem of lack of potable water in the  region.

     He stated: “The transformation that Ogbuku has brought into NDDC is inspiring, and we are passing a vote of confidence in him. We appeal to the Federal Government to keep giving him all the support he needs.”

    The Secretary General of the  contractors association,  Prince Sodin Akiagba, an engineer, called on indigenous contractors and consultants carrying out various projects and programmes in the  region and, indeed, in the country to perform optimally with professionalism and best practices in their service delivery.

     He urged them to always adhere to the terms of their contracts with the NDDC and other corporate organisations.

     He called for adequate and timely funding of the NDDC to enable it to clear all outstanding debts to contractors, even as the Commission initiates new projects and programmes.

     He said that the contractors’ association was committed to collaborating with and supporting the NDDC to deliver the best services to the people.

    Akingba noted that indigenous contractors were competing favourably with their counterparts at the national and international levels.

     He said that the contractors’ association would continue to support the NDDC in achieving its statutory mandates by deploying best practices in contract delivery across the region.

     The Secretary-General stated the association’s position on the  proper funding for the NDDC.

     “We know that the commission needs a lot of funds to clear outstanding debts and fast-track construction works in the region.”

     “The INDICA pleads with all funding and developmental partners to meet their financial obligations to the NDDC to achieve its objectives and pay the outstanding debts owed to our members by the previous administrations.”

     According to  Akiagba, the Founder of The Niger Delta Indigenous Contractors Association ( NDICA) , the association was founded in 1999 as an umbrella body of Indigenous Contractors and Consultants of Niger Delta  to ensure that the people of Niger Delta partake as well as partner with development Commissions, Agencies and multinationals in projects and programmes emanating from the Region especially and the nation at large through global best practices in service delivery with caution on Environmental protection and sustainability.

  • Stakeholders disagree on NDDC Board’s composition

    THE reconstitution of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board drew more reactions on Monday.

    Some of those who reacted hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for the caliber of people he nominated into the Board. Others kicked and demanded a reversal of the presidential decision.

    The Western Ijaw Consultative Assembly kicked against the nomination of Bernard Okumagba, an Urhobo as the Board chairman, arguing that an Ijaw ought to have been nominated to head the board.

    In a statement titled: “Western Ijaw Consultative Assembly Delta Ijaw rejects NDDC Board MD nominee” and signed by Chief Ebipade Gbegha (Chairman) and  Ogbein Zidideke (Secretary), the Assembly described Okumagba’s nomination as injustice to the Ijaw.

    The groups’ spokesman said: “The Ijaw in Delta State wish to notify President Mohammadu Buhari and the National Assembly that the nomination of Bernard Okumagba of the Urhobo extraction in Delta State as the Managing Director (MD) in the new Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board instead of an Ijaw nominee from the state is totally unacceptable.

    “This is because it is a clear case of oppression, injustice and alienation of Ijaw in Delta State by some selfish politicians acting like new pirates in power.

    “We state without fear of equivocation that any executive position slot for Delta State should be given to the Ijaw as it is our turn in line with the rotational arrangement as prescribed by the NDDC Act of 2000 Section 12 (1) which states that ‘there shall be for the commission, a managing director, and two executive directors who shall be indigenes of oil producing areas starting with the member states of the commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member states in the order of production’.

    “The emphasis on the rotation within member states with the highest production quantum of oil is to ensure equity, justice and fairness in states like Delta, where there are more than one ethnic group producing oil.The Ijaw riverside communities are the highest producers of oil and gas in the region, and by implication, the highest revenue generators in Nigeria.

    “We also bear the brunt of the pollution, degradation and environmental impacts of oil and gas exploration, production and transportation. In spite of our enormous contributions and sacrifices, we are still the most underdeveloped part of Nigeria.

    “The NDDC, which is a product of the Niger Delta struggle, was initiated as an interventionist agency to cater for the oil-bearing/impacted communities from age-long neglect.

    ‘Though all members of the region contributed to the struggle, the Ijaw no doubt sacrificed and contributed the more in the struggle. Youth of the Ijaw laid down their lives in agitating for creation of the NDDC and were tagged all sorts of names in the process.”

    But in Akwa Ibom, some youth groups hailed the appointment of a former commissioner for Culture and Tourism in the state, Victor Antai, into the NDDC Board, saying that the nomination would promote peace and bring development to the region.

    Oro International Youth Forum and Akwa Ibom Integrity Youth Foundation described Antai as a grassroots politician who will bring peace and progress to Niger Delta.

    According to them, with Antai at the helms of affairs of the Commission in the state, youth restiveness would be a thing of the past.

    In a message by its President, Christian Bassey Nyong, the Oro International Youth Forum described  Antai  “as an astute politician, a sterling administrator and effective leader, your service as a state commissioner was equally glorious and satisfactory to the Oro people, thus your willingness to sacrifice your time and effort for the development of your people in many capacities have contributed to your being selected for this new challenging responsibility which is not a surprise to us.

    “We are grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing a grassroots politician with a heart of gold as NDDC Board Member and based on your pedigree, we believe that you will contribute effectively to the development of the region and help to further develop the Oro Community and Akwa Ibom State at large.”

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    The Akwa Ibom Integrity Youth Foundation said: “We are particularly grateful to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari for finding an illustrious son of Akwa Ibom State to occupy this very exalted position to beer reposition the region for a more rapid development.”

    In Ondo, two groups – the Justice Council of the Oil Producing Communities in Ondo State (JCOPC) and National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) urged the President to reverse the appointments in the interest of justice.

    They charged the Federal Government to honour the Act establishing the NDDC in the interest of the rule of law.

    JCOPC said its members and the entire oil producing communities in the state were shocked that the constitution of the board as announced by the government violated the NDDC Act.

    A statement by its spokesman Prince Segun Odolo said: “We condemn the purported composition because it violated the Act of NDDC and it is capable of causing disharmony among the member states of the commission.

    The NYCN in a statement by its Secretary General Blessing Akinlosotu called for immediate review of the appointment.

    He said the office of the chairman must rotate among the member states in alphabetical order, while that of Managing Director (MD)/Executive Director (ED) shall rotate according to the production volume.

    The group said: “Based on the Act, Delta State is to produce the next chairman of the commission while Ondo State will produce the MD in line with the provision of the Act.”

    According to JCOPC, “Ondo State is the fifth largest producer of oil in the country, following the quantum of its production in ranking order as Akwa Ibom (31.4 per cent); Delta (21.7 per cent); Rivers (21.4 per cent);  Balyesa (18.1 per cent); Ondo (3.7 per cent) Edo (2.1 per cent); Imo (1.1 per cent); Abia 0.7 (per cent) and Cross River (0.8 per cent”.

    The group lamented that Ondo has never occupied the position since the establishment of the interventionist agency.

    It rejected the appointment on the grounds that the composition violated the Act that established NDDC, describing it is a continuation of the subversion of the commission’s Act.

    JCOPC said: “The composition is an aberration and a rape on the sanctity of the Act that established the NDDC. We call on Mr. President, a man of justice to right the wrong.

    “While Ondo state was denied the opportunities of becoming the chairman and Managing Director, the stakeholders said some states had occupied the position on two occasions. Apart from the position of the managing director, nobody from Ondo state has ever been considered for the post of Executive Directors in the NDDC.

    “As the fifth largest producer behind  Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states, who have taken their turns, it is now the turn of Ondo State to occupy the position of the MD of the commission.”

  • APC flays Niger Delta governors for NDDC Board’s rejection

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday flayed the opposition of governors of Niger Delta states to the reconstitution of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, describing their action as “shameful and disgraceful”.

    Rather than crying wolf where none exists, the governors should concentrate on delivering dividends of democracy to their people, the ruling party said.

    In a statement by its National Vice Chairman (Southsouth), Ntufam Hilliard Eta, the APC said it was unfortunate that the governors were opposed to the appointment of those it called qualified Nigerians into the NDDC Board.

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to various reports in the news and print media on the very shameful and disgraceful steps taken by Southsouth governors on the recent appointments made by Mr. President, wherein very qualified sons of Southsouth were appointed into the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    “Ordinarily, we would have ignored such disgraceful steps by men we thought could have known better, but it has become imperative that we stand in the defense of justice and for the benefit of Nigerians.

    “It is sad that these governors of the oil-rich states of the Niger Delta, who should be highly concerned by the level of poverty and deteriorating state of infrastructures in the zone, are rather being parochial, selfish and exhibiting the highest form of ignorance in governance.

    “They are only interested in ensuring that their family members, cronies and stooges are appointed to strategic positions, to the detriment of the generality of Nigerians.

    “The steps taken by these… governors just go to show that indeed their election into such high offices were just a direct product of the subversion of the collective wills of the people in the last general elections. We view these steps taken by these governors as very dishonorable and it shows that governance in our zone is at the lowest ebb.

    “Whereas, responsible leaders would have rolled out the drums in celebration and appreciative of Mr. President’s magnanimity in appointing eminent and qualified Nigerians of the Southsouth extraction into the board of NDDC, governors of the Southsouth geopolitical zone, most of them from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), went on rampage, asking Mr. President to review the appointment, for whatever reasons. What a shame!

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    “For us, we view this as crass irresponsibility, shameful display of ignorance, and opposition politics carried too far. For the benefit of doubts, for those who may not be familiar with the trend of events in the Southsouth (Niger Delta) region, irrespective of the humongous amount of monies the governors of the zone receive from the federation account and security votes on a monthly basis, there is nothing to show in terms of development.

    “Under the watch of these governors, there is high rate of unemployment, youths’ restiveness and its ugly consequences, kidnapping of innocent citizens for ransom by criminals, poor primary health care facilities or none existent in some areas, poverty, insecurity of lives, banditry and all vices are on the increase in the zone.

    “There is total decay of infrastructures in the zone and these governors are doing nothing about it nor have a workable template on how to deliver democratic dividends to Nigerians of the Southsouth zone.

    “It is very shameful that these governors have not exhibited capacity to govern the people, but  just engaging in fanning the embers of their deflated egos, self-aggrandizement and getting involved in selfish politics, while the people wallow in abject poverty and penury.

    “Our only consolation is that our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is challenging the charade that brought these darkoids of unreason to power at the various legal platforms.”

  • ‘50 oil firms owe NDDC N1.2trillion’

    FIFTY oil firms operating in the Niger Delta region are owing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) N1.2 trillion in form of unpaid dues to the Commission, it was gathered yesterday.

    The firm responsible for the collection of the unremitted statutory allocation for  NDDC, Paris Trust Limited,  said it has served the oil firms  letters to that effect since July 26, 2019

    Its Principal Partner, Timothy Bagwams, said since 2015, majority of the firms have failed to remit the statutory three per cent of their annual budget to the Commission, saying the failure to make the payments, is affecting the development of the region.

    In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, Bagwams,  said the developmental activities of the Commission are funded by monies paid by oil firms in the region, pointing out that the failure by some of these firms to pay their dues meant that the Commission can only achieve little in addressing the developmental needs of the Niger Delta region.

    He said the firm has been authorised by the NDDC to serve letters to the defaulting firms to remit their dues to the Commission.

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    Some of the  firms include Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), National Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Chevron, Shell and Agip.

    Others are African Petroleum, Pan Ocean oil, Petro Bas, Seplat, Moni Pulo Petroleum Development, South Atlantic Petroleum and Zenon, Slumberger and First Exploration, Dubri Oil Company Limited among others.

    In its reaction, the  Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Mr Ndu Ughamadu, confirmed that the Corporation is indeed owing NDDC. He however,  stated that NNPC has started repaying the debts.

    He said: “There is nothing wrong in being indebted to someone or an organisation. We are indebted to NDDC, but we reached an agreement with them (NDDC) on repayment and we have started the repayment few months ago.”

    Bagwams said the NDDC has asked the Federal Government and all the oil and gas firms operating in the region to fulfil their financial statutory obligations to the Commission by remitting all their outstanding remittances to its coffers.

    Bagwams said the Commission has written to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Federal Ministry of Finance requesting for the remittance of the cash.

    Section 14(2)(b) of the NDDC Act, 2014 says three per cent of the total annual budget of any oil producing company operating on shore and off shore, in the Niger-Delta area; including gas-processing companies shall be paid and credited to the fund established by the NDDC for the defrayal of all expenditure.

    He said: “But as I speak with you the companies are owing NDDC more than N1.2 trillion, and this is why the Commission is achieving little in addressing the developmental needs of the region.

    “Since 2015, the Federal Government has not been remitting its statutory 15 percent of the total monthly statutory allocations due to member states of the Commission from the Federation Account as well as the 50 per cent of monies due to member states of the Commission from the Ecological Fund.

    “The 15 percent, according to the provisions of Section 14(2) (a) and (c) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment, ETC) Act, 2014 represents the contribution of the Federal Government to the Commission.”

     

     

     

     

  • NDDC BOARD: Bayelsa youths condemn alleged sponsored protest

    Two Bayelsa-based Ijaw youth groups; Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG) and the Niger Delta Peace Advocacy Group (NDPAG), have condemned attempts by some people in the region to derail the succession order at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    IMG and NDPAG categorically described recent protests and calls by youths in some of the states in the region for the confirmation of the Professor Nelson Brambaifa-led management team by President Muhammadu Buhari as mischievous and an attempt to break the harmony existing among the states of the region.

    In a statement jointly issued by the leaders of IMG and NDPAG, Birinemigha Dennis and Bekesuo Adigo respectively in Warri, the groups frowned at the protests, alleging they were sponsored by the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, to hoodwink the Federal Government into confirming him, against the act establishing the commission.

    The groups, which pointed it out that it is now the turn of Delta state to, statutorily, produce the occupiers of both offices of the Chairman and Managing Director of the NDDC, alleged the commission, under the watch of Prof. Braimbraifa, had not added value to the lives of Niger Delta people,  and warned against such protest in Bayelsa again.

    Calling on President Mohammadu Buhari to do the needful, the groups said “without sentiment, the positions of the Chairman and Managing Director are the rights of the people of Delta State and does not call for debate taking a critical look at the Act establishing the commission in 2000.

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    “This Commission was not established for political patronage rather it was put in place to address the developmental needs of the Niger Delta people after years of neglect by successive governments so as to curb the violence which erupted in the region during the genuine struggle of the people for the development of their communities.

    “The NDDC is statutorily charged with the responsibility of formulating policies and guidelines for the development and rehabilitation of the region which, of course, is the crux of its core mandate.

    “However, since inception, it has been managed and administered by qualified indigenes, who were appointed based on a classified and established mode of engagement as entrenched in its establishment Act for purposes of justice, fairness and equitable representation of member states of the commission for the avoidance of dominance and marginalization of anyone state against the other etc.

    “The NDDC establishment Act, 2000 in part IV, Sec. 12 (1) states that – “There shall be for the commission, a Managing Director and two Executive Directors

    who shall be indigenes of Oil producing areas starting with the member states of the commission with the highest production quantum of Oil and shall rotate amongst member states in order of production”, the statement said.

  • Stakeholders praise new NDDC’s management

    Although established in 2,000 to fast-track sustainable economic growth in the Niger Delta region, not much was done by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in this regard. The commission, however, has begun to meet some of its targets since the new administration appointed new NDDC management team, writes PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU.

    Before now, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was seen as an appointment to “settle the boys”, perceived loyal godsons assumed to have invested personal funds, commitment in the actualisation of the political goals of their leaders.

    Rather than meet the targets for which it was established, successive administrations have been accused of diverting funds meant for developmental projects of the region to sponsor political agenda of their godfathers, thus fueling unrest, insecurity and militancy in the Niger Delta.

    The prosecution of past leaders of the NDDC for alleged embezzlement and corruption by anti-graft agencies did not come as a surprise to observers, given the gross underdevelopment, pollution and degradation of the Niger Delta, the region which produces the crude oil Nigeria depends on for survival.

    But fortune seemed to have smiled on the people of Niger Delta with the assumption of office of the Acting NDDC Managing Director, Prof. Nelson Brambaifa who took over from Nsima Ekere earlier in the year.

    Setting the ball rolling, Brambaifa and his management team sought the partnership of the Joint Taskforce (JTF) Operation Delta Safe. This move, according to Brambaifa, was based on the fact that the NDDC had security, infrastructural development and youth empowerment as key priorities.

    At a meeting with the JTF Commander, Rear Admiral Akinjide Akinrinade, Brambaifa revealed that the NDDC would undertake the construction of access roads in Yenagoa and build modern police headquarter in Bayelsa State.

    The pro-people activities of the Brambaifa-led NDDC has endeared the commission to the hearts of most Niger Deltans so much so that a group known as Inter-ethnic Network for Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Buhari (INCRAB) had condemned a petition against the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu, even as it said it was “baseless, mischievous and politically-engineered attacks on the Executive Management team of the NDDC.

    The group said: “The allegations of financial impropriety and other unnecessary attacks against the management of NDDC were calculated attempts bereft of facts and common sense, targeted at putting the executive management team of the commission in bad light before the President and entire Nigerians.”

    INCRAB noted that the motive of the petitioners was to seize the economic and political structures of the NDDC and use same to advance some selfish and desperate pursuit for political power.

    “It is worrisome that these unwholesome attacks are staged against the management team of the NDDC despite its sterling performance and widespread interventions across all critical sectors of the economy, including infrastructure, human capital development, agriculture, education, health, environment, empowerment and social welfare.

    “We state with all sense of responsibility and modesty that the massive achievements recorded by the five-month-old Braimbraifa-led management team do not only exist in the papers as may be the tradition with some government agencies but are tangible with known geographical locations within the Niger Delta and real beneficiaries across the region.

    “We understand that the originators, fabricators and sponsors of these attacks and campaigns of calumny are highly placed politicians domiciled outside the Niger Delta region who pride themselves with their far-reaching clout and influence across the six geo-political zones of the nation.

    “In view of the shenanigans and dubious intent of the orchestrators of the allegations and campaigns of calumny against the executive management team of the commission that has touched so many lives and performed creditably within a very short period, we urge the people of the Niger Delta to brace up against any form of external intrusion through a few willing tools in the region to sweep off a team that has brought back the NDDC to the people and given them a proud sense of belonging through its numerous programmes and prompt interventions.

    “The NDDC cannot continue to be the cash cow of greedy politicians whose insatiable appetite for power spurs them into attempting to hijack the commission at all costs for the sole purpose of promoting and financing their selfish political pursuits while undermining and demoting the development efforts of the management of the commission.”

    Association of Rivers and Bayelsa Contractors of Niger Delta (RABCON) has also condemned what it described as the needless attacks on the management of the NDDC.

    The contractors, in a statement endorsed by the trio of Chief Aaron Tamunokoriari Princewill, Engr. Zebb Tuordolor and Dr. Nyema Owhondah, said they were “worried by this campaign because we the contractors of Rivers/Bayelsa are beneficiaries of this new board while the entire Niger Delta is bubbling with relief since its inception.

    “Our payments have been flowing unhindered and we are carrying out projects awarded to us with specification and proper supervision, unlike in the past.”

    Similarly, a Niger Delta stakeholder, Iniruo Wills said:  “It is obvious that the NDDC is doing quite a number of projects across the country. Those projects are transformational. Such projects include the Ogbianeme Road they said they are jointly doing with Shell, one of their major projects capable of transforming lives because it is very strategic.

    “It connects a lot of communities around that route together and it’s a big one. However, I think they can do better, especially the duration they spend completing the projects.

    “The Nembe Road project ordinarily should not have lasted beyond five years but it has lasted for 17 years without being completed. I’m sure the expectations of the people now is that it should be expanded beyond what they are doing. Summarily, they are doing well but they can do better.”