Tag Archives: NDDC

Niger Delta Ex-Militants Endorse Ongoing Reforms At NDDC

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The Niger Delta Ex-Agitator Forum (NDEF) has expressed support for ongoing reforms aimed at re-positioning the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the present management.

The NDEF in a statement issued on Monday in Yenagoa by its President, Prince Amaibi Hornby, applauded the Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba-led new board of NDDC for initiating a 21-point focus of direction at NDDC.

The group noted that the recent redeployment of 11 directors and ongoing internal investigations of corruption allegations in NDDC were signs of a committed leadership.

“We believe that these are moves that will eventually refocus the commission to its original mandate.

“The reform will make NDDC the vehicle to bring development and peace to the troubled Niger Delta and restore the confidence of the entire nation in the commission especially at this challenging time.

“This will also entrench transparency and enable the commission get necessary and important support from stakeholders,” NDEF stated.

The group further stated that NDDC’s partnership with the Bureau for Public Service Reforms, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and Open Government Partnership, would better establish transparency in the commission.

NDEF on the other hand, condemned the recent reports that the NDDC was purchasing cars at the expense of developing the Niger Delta oil communities when investigations showed that NDDC was yet to even get approval to acquire operational vehicles.

The group dismissed the report as attempts to blackmail and arm-twists the management of the commission.

“The ugly situations in the past where people used blackmail and force of coercion to get what they want in the NDDC should stop as it was a major contributory factor to the woeful performances of the commission in the past.

“The Senator Victor Ndoma Egba-led management board should be supported by all and sundry to reform the commission and achieve concrete results for the good of all.

“The present management board is made up of credible people from the Niger Delta, who have served the public in the past with proven integrity and in various capacities with unquestionable reputations.

“Resorting to forces of blackmailing and coercion will never help us – Information should be thoroughly investigated before allegations are made.

“Let us all support this new management of the NDDC to chart a new course for the commission and not to blackmail them,” NDEF said.

 

Source: Channels TV

NDDC Gives Contractors 30 Days to Return to Site

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has given contractors handling its projects across the Niger Delta 30 days to return to site in order to complete the projects or face prosecution.

Rising from an Inter-Ministerial meeting chaired by Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, in Abuja over the weekend, the Managing Director of NDDC, Mr. Nsima Ekere, said “a list of such contractors is being compiled in all the nine NDDC States and defaulters would be prosecuted.”

Mr. Ekere said it had become imperative to fast track the on-going audit of projects awarded in the region, in line with Government directives and one of the planks of the new Governing Board’s 4-R Initiative, “which is to restructure the balance sheet of the Commission and determine poor performing projects.”

He declared: “It is important for our contractors to realise it can’t be business as usual. President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to change how government business is conducted and everyone must wake up to that reality. But beyond that is the fact that we owe the Niger Delta region and our people the duty to implement and complete these projects, in order to facilitate sustainable regional development.

“This is a necessary process to ensure that things are done properly, how they ought to be done and when they ought to be done,” he added.

The meeting, which was also attended by Ministers of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Environment, Niger Delta and Information and Culture, as well as Ministers of State for Petroleum and Environment and the Presidential Amnesty Office, also reviewed the 20-Point Agenda of the Petroleum Ministry with regards to the Niger Delta, as well as the Amnesty Programme and the 16 point demand of the Pan Niger Delta Forum.

“It was important to consolidate the agenda with that of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, as well as the blueprint of the State governments, the Amnesty Office and the NDDC master plan,” the NDDC Managing Director said, “in order to roll them into one workable plan.”

Mr. Ekere added: “We are all going to initiate quick-win projects that would give a sense of involvement to government’s approach to handling issues that would impact the people. We will organise frequent town hall meetings with all stakeholders and collaborate in building sustainable economic models for the communities of the Niger Delta.”

Among other decisions, he said, was the need for the Commission to work with the Ministry of Environment and NOSREA to facilitate the Niger Delta clean-up of affected areas of oil spill, working on a time frame, as well as encourage IOCs to provide more power to their host communities, beyond working with PHCN and DISCOs.

“Satellite mapping,” Mr. Ekere declared, “will be used to identify polluted areas in the Niger Delta and a comprehensive plan of action adopted to ensure regional clean up. This is important, because we must ensure that we safeguard our environment and give our people the opportunity and enabling environment to pursue our predominant traditional livelihoods.

“Agriculture and aquaculture are key to facilitating sustainable development in the region, particularly as we seek alternate productive socio-economic activities beyond oil and gas. This is a future we must all work to safeguard.”

“Sagay lied, we are just about to buy 22 vehicles” – NDDC

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has denied purchasing 70 cars, as alleged by Itse Sagay, chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee (PACAC).

On Thursday, Sagay accused the NDDC of being reckless with funds meant for schools and infrastructure development in the Niger Delta region.

But reacting in a statement released by Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, head, corporate affairs NDDC, the commission said it was just in the process of purchasing 22 cars for official use.

The NDDC said its chairman and executive directors were still making use of their private vehicles, after three months on the job.

“The attention of the Governing Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been drawn to a statement credited to the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), in which he claimed that the Commission “bought over 70 cars that included eight super Lexus that cost N70m each and 10 Toyota Landcruiser jeeps at N65m each,” the statement read.

“The NDDC wishes to state, categorically, that no such purchases have been made since assumption of office on November 4, 2016, of the current Governing Board. Indeed, it is a known fact that the Chairman, the distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), the Managing Director/CEO, Nsima Ekere, and the two Executive Directors are still using their private vehicles three months after assumption of duties.

“The NDDC is only now in the process of acquiring work vehicles, and is adhering strictly to due process. These include five (5) Toyota Prado jeeps, 10 Toyota Hilux trucks, four (4) Toyota Landcruiser jeeps, one (1) Toyota Coaster bus and two (2) Toyota Hiace buses. The Commission has just received the Due Process Compliance Certificate from the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, and is preparing the mandatory memo for the approval of the Federal Executive Council.

“We wish to restate that the current Board and Management of the NDDC is committed to making its transactions transparent, by adhering strictly to processes and procedures of Government, as espoused in the Board’s 4-R Initiative of restoring the Commission’s core mandate, restructuring the balance sheet, reforming our processes and reaffirming a commitment to doing what is right and proper at all times in facilitating the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.

“In this regard, the Commission is also partnering with Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and Open Government Partnership (OGP) to improve the Commission’s governance systems, procurement and project implementation processes, in order to plug all loopholes and systematically eliminate all incidences of mismanagement and corruption.

“NDDC is always ready to open its books for audit. We are also committed to responding to all inquiries from well-meaning individuals and groups seeking clarification on rumours and possible false information.

“While asking for support from all stakeholders to enable the Commission succeed in the ambitious task of reforms, the New NDDC is evolving as a responsible public institution and members of the public should feel free to get authentic information on its activities to avoid sensationalism.”

 

Source: The Cable

Corruption: NDDC bought eight vehicles for N560m – Sagay

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The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), on Thursday, said corruption was omnipresent in the country with all segments being affected.

He specifically indicted the Niger Delta Development Commission and the Nigeria Customs Service which he said are still enmeshed in corruption even under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sagay said these in his opening remarks at the National Dialogue on Corruption organised by PACAC at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said with all the financial difficulties Nigeria was going through, the NDDC recently bought over 70 cars that included eight super Lexus that cost N70m each.

He said despite the purchase, the commission’s Managing Director claimed that the NDDC lacks fund to carry out its responsibilities.

On the Nigerian Customs Service, Sagay said, “There is no difference in Customs since May 29, 2015. If you go to Tin Can Island, it is business as usual.”

Describing corruption as a national tragedy, Sagay wondered why a person will loot what he cannot spend in 10 lifetimes and expose others to poverty.

 

Source:

http://punchng.com/breaking-nddc-bought-eight-vehicles-for-n560m-sagay/

 

BREAKING: Shake-up at NDDC, 11 directors redeployed.

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has redeployed 11 directors to different offices to “boost its performance” in the development of the Niger Delta.

Speaking on Thursday, Nsima Ekere, the commission’s managing director, said the decision to make the changes was taken after a retreat in Port Harcourt.

He said the affected directors were drawn from the commission’s offices in Abuja, Bayelsa, Imo, Ondo, Delta and Rivers states.

He gave the names of the directors as: Princewill Ekanim, who was redeployed to the office of the managing director as director of special duties.

Effiong Ephraim moved from special duties to head Abuja Liaison office, while Rachael Odiri, formerly head of Bayelsa state office now leads the Abuja office.

Also, Wanoro Weli, a former director in charge of utility infrastructure development and waterways would head the office in Ondo state, replacing Emma Audu who becomes director of project monitoring and supervision.

Nosa Agbongiasede takes charge of Imo state office, while Godwin Jaja, formerly director of Imo office would take charge of human resources directorate.

Etim Eyoette was elevated to the position of acting director, utility infrastructure development and waterways (UIDW), while Ndubuisi Ahiakwo was moved from UIDW in Delta to Project Monitoring and Supervision (Western Zone).

Uno Uno now heads Project Monitoring and Supervision (Eastern Zone) while Felix Aomreore becomes head, Project Monitoring and Supervision (Central Zone).

Ekere said the redeployment would enable the commission to actualise reforms designed to restore the commission’s core mandate and improve the living conditions of residents in the Niger Delta.

“We are taking actions to reform our operations for optimum performance; and part of the first step was to deploy officers to where they would offer better service,” he said.

“It is important to offer the region and our people better service; improve the quality of our projects; and ensure that we pay for projects and programmes that we implement.”

 

Source: The Cable

Niger Delta Youth Group Threatens To Expose Corruption In NDDC

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A youth group, under the aegis of the Niger Delta Youth Movement, NDYM has alleged that there is massive corruption in the running of the Niger Delta Development Commission-NDDC, even as it threatened to expose it in the coming weeks.

NDYM, the umbrella youth organisation in the Niger Delta region made the allegation in a Communique issued at the end of a National Executive Council meeting of the body in Port Harcourt, weekend.

The Communique, signed by the group’s National President, Joe Jackson, Secretary, Amakuro Isaac and twenty three (23) others, blamed corruption for the underdevelopment in the region.

The group lamented that despite the huge investments in the Commission, not much is being done to better the lives of the people, but warned that it is presently investigating the information of massive looting going on in the Commission under the present leadership and will make its findings public soon.

“Corruption is at the centre of the region’s underdevelopment and the youths have remained endangered species in their patriotic efforts to draw the attention of relevant agencies to the developmental challenges of the region.”

“…despite enormous resources committed to the development of the Niger Delta region by successive administrations, not much is being seen in terms of development of the region.

“…the absence of transparency and accountability in institutions empowered to develop the region is a major obstacle to the development of the region.”

“…the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) needs to be purged of corruption, with a view to sanitising the system and bad eggs expunged. The NDDC under the present leadership has no place for the youth of the region. No action plan or template for youth development, empowerment and engagement is in place.  The youth of the region have not been effectively involved in the activities of the NDDC.”

“The impact of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs on the region has been minimal.”

Continuing, the youth group called on the country’s anti-graft agencies to beam their light on the region, while urging the present leadership of the Commission to ensure transparency, accountability and due process in its dealings.

“The country’s anti-corruption agencies must begin to beam their searchlights on public institutions in the Niger Delta region.”

“The present Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission-NDDC, under the leadership of Mr. Nsima Ekere must ensure transparency, accountability and due process in the award of contracts by the Commission, especially, that of Water Hyacinth projects.”

“The present NDDC Management should, as a matter of urgency, ensure that the youths of the region are carried along in the issues concerning them. The continued marginalization of youths of the region by the present leadership is unacceptable.”

“As a principal stakeholder in the formation of the NDDC and particularly, the YOUTH DIRECTORATE, NDYM is reviewing the situation in the Commission and will soon make its findings and decisions known to the world.”

“We await a blueprint and action plan, backed with an implementation guide on youth empowerment and engagement by the current NDDC leadership.”

“We support a civil means to the resolution of the Niger Delta problem and shall at no point, back any military action in the Niger Delta.”

“The Federal Government should commence the ACTUAL clean-up of Ogoniland and other areas/states in the Niger Delta Region affected by oil exploration without further delay.”

“As the umbrella youth group in the region, NDYM should be actively involved in the Federal Government’s dialogue initiative, aimed at restoring peace to the region.”

“NDYM calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately nominate, for confirmation, credible persons to represent the three states of Abia, Imo and Ondo on the Board of the NDDC, in order to calm frayed nerves.”

“NDYM strongly condemns the planned relocation by the Shell Petroleum Development Corporation (SPDC) of some of its offices from Port Harcourt to Lagos and wants Exxonmobil to immediately relocate all its offices to Akwa Ibom State for the sake of the on-going peace moves by the Federal Government.”

“The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs must review its mandate, with a view to developing and implementing activities and projects that can touch the lives of the Niger Delta people positively.”

Ex-Niger Delta Militants Urge NDDC To Embark On People Oriented Projects.

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Some Ex-Niger Delta militants, under the auspices of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative, have called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on people-oriented projects in the region.

They urged the Chairman of the commission, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba,
to see through his promises and embark on projects that would bring about the long-awaited development in the region, especially the oil-producing areas.

The LPCDI, which boasts of about 90 per cent of ex-agitators in Phase 1 of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, in a press statement by its Secretary, Mr. Wainwei, commended Ndoma-Egba’s interface with the relevant stakeholders.

The group said, ”The interface with the stakeholders of the region is a step in the
right direction for the people. But beyond that, such meetings should be backed with actions.

”We wish to reiterate here that we would not hesitate to go against anyone in the commission without the interest of the Niger Delta people at heart.

The NDDC is for the development of the people and the Niger Delta region and not for personal gains.”

The LPCDI also called on the Federal Government to appoint indigenes from the oil-producing areas, into various positions in the commission.

The group further advised other members of the board of the NDDC to follow the footsteps of the Chairman and stop seeing the NDDC as a means to enrich their personal ambitions.

”We also call on the commission to engage and empower the office of the Special Adviser on Youth Affairs to make easy outreach of the LPCDI and various youth groups”.

 

Source: Channels TV

NDDC To Delegate Power To State Offices- MD

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The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr Nsima Ekere, says the commission has concluded plans to delegate power to state offices to fast track development in the region.

Ekere said in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja that a policy shift to devolve more operational powers to NDDC state offices was ongoing.

Ekere made this disclosure when he paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem Etim Abia in Akwa Ibom State.

He said it was necessary to implement the policy for effective operations and projects monitoring.

“We want to have a situation where state offices do not need to run to Port  Harcourt headquarters for everything they need,” he said.

Ekere who also congratulated the traditional ruler on his recent coronation said that his antecedents made him a suitable candidate for the throne.

“Your contributions to Eket, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria mark you out as a leader of the people.

“We are proud of your legacy and we will support you at NDDC,” he said.

Responding, Abia commended Ekere on his appointment as the Managing Director of the NDDC, adding that the appointment was a deserved one.

He, however, called for increased NDDC presence in Eket which he said was not impressive.

Credit: NAN

NDDC Board: Senate Rejects Three Of President Buhari’s Nominees

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The Nigerian Senate has began consideration of nominees for Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board with Senate president Bukola Saraki presiding over the plenary.

The Senate reverted to committee of the whole to deliberate on their confirmation.

However, three out of the 19 were not confirmed. They include Hon.Donatus Enyinnaya of Abia state, Sen. OSita Bonaventure Izunaso, Imo state and Olatokunbo Ayotunde Ajasin of Ondo state.

Saraki thanked the committee for their efforts and congratulated the chairman and the new members of the board.

Two months ago, the Senate officially received a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari requesting the confirmation of Victor Ndoma Egba as chairman and Isima Ekere as managing director of the NDDC.

The Nigerian Senate had on Tuesday, October 4, screened Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, the former Senate leader, as chairman of NDDC board and other members.

However, the former Senate leader was not screened, but spoke briefly to his colleagues, even as he was later asked to take a bow.

Read full list of the nominees below:

1. Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba – Chairman – Cross River state

2. Nsima Udo Ekere – Managing Director – Akaw-Ibom state

3. Engr Adjogbe Samuel – Executive director – Delta state

4. Mene Derek – Executive director (finance and administration) – Rivers state

5. Hon. Donatus Enyinnah – member – Abia state

6. Frank Samuel George – member – Akwa-Ibom state

7. Prof. Brambaifa Nelson – member – Bayelsa state

8. Sylvester Nsa – member – Cross-River state

9. Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo – member- Delta state

10. Hon. Uwuile Saturday – member – Edo state

11. Sen. Osita Izunaso – member – Imo state

12. Olatokunbo Ajasin – member- Ondo state

13. Harry Dabibi – member Rivers state

14. Benard Banfa – member- North central zone

15. Yahaya Mohammed – member – Northeast zone

16. Mustapha Dankadai – member – Northwest zone

17. Igo Weli – member -Niger Delta

18. Mahmoud Isa-Dutse – member- Federal Ministry of Finance

19. Abdul-Kazeem Bayero – member – Federal Ministry of Environment

Buhari Appeals To National Assembly To Pass Money Laundering, NDDC, FCT, Other Bills

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday night appealed to the National Assembly to, as a matter of urgency, consider and pass five bills presently before it.

He made the appeal while speaking at a dinner he hosted in honour of National Assembly members at the old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.
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He listed the bills to include the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Appropriation bill, Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) bill, Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters bill, Statutory Budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) bill and a Bill for Acts for domestication of agreements for avoidance of double taxation between Nigeria and South Korea, Spain, and Sweden respectively.

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The president observed that both the FCT and the NDDC could not execute their statutory mandates unless their budgets were approved by the National Assembly.

Buhari thanked the lawmakers for their painstaking efforts that led to the passage of the 2016 Budget.

He said: “It is on record that this is one rare occasion where the Appropriation Act was assented to with the schedule i.e the details.”

The president said that the dinner was held first to mark 2016 Democracy Day and to further appreciate the National Assembly leadership, membership and management for the great work they had done.

He restated the commitment of his administration to observing the principles of separation of powers.

Credit: Thisday

NDDC To Complete N24bn Ogbia-Nembe Road, 6 Bridges In Bayelsa

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Tuesday said that its 27-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe road and six bridges project in Bayelsa would soon be completed.

 

A statement issued in Port Harcourt by Mr Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, the commission’s Head of Corporate Affairs unit, disclosed that the project was awarded at a cost of N24.5 billion.

 

It quoted Mrs Ibim Semenitari, Acting Managing Director of NDDC, as saying that President Muhammadu Buhari directed the commission to fast track completion of ongoing projects in the Niger Delta.

 

It said the project, which had more than 50 culverts spreading across “very difficult terrains”, would terminate in Brass Local Government area of the state.

 

“NDDC is committed to speedy completion of the 27-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe road, six bridges and 50 culverts project in partnership with the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

“The project which is in its first phase of completion will eventually terminate in Brass area of Bayelsa State.

“The project, which is nearing completion, was made possible by President Muhammadu Buhari’s release of N22 billion for the commission between June and December,” Semenitari was quoted as saying.

 

The statement said that the commission would soon commence construction of a prototype-ultra modern student hostel at the Niger Delta University on Wilberforce Island in Bayelsa.

It called on individuals and corporate organisations to partner the commission to realise its development mandate, adding that governance was a collective responsibility of all.

 

 

(NAN)

Lassa Fever: NDDC Begins Distribution Of Kits, Equipment To 9 States

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said on Wednesday that it had commenced distribution of kits and equipment to fight spread of Lassa fever in the nine states in Niger Delta.

 

This is contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by Mr Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, the commission’s Head of Corporate Affairs Unit.

 

The statement quoted Mrs Ibim Semenitari, Acting Managing Director of NDDC, as saying that the commission was concerned about high occurrence of the disease in Edo, Ondo and Rivers.

 

It said 1,800 pieces of kits, cold chains, sanitizers and personal protective equipment had been donated to the Rivers Central Medical Stores to distribute to patients in Rivers.

 

“We will also send kits to other states for prevention measures; so that the disease can be quickly contained if it spreads to other states.

“Distribution of Lassa fever kits and facilities to store vaccines is part of the commission’s commitments to support the fight against infectious diseases and health challenges in the region.

“The commission will soon donate mosquito nets to states health ministries which will be distributed to people in rural communities”, Semenitari was quoted in the statement as saying.

The statement quoted the Rivers Commissioner for Health, Dr Theophilus Odagme, as saying that the kits and facilities would help checkmate Lassa fever and other infectious diseases in the state.

 

Odagme said the cold chain facility had increased the state’s capacity to store vaccines and enhance immunisation.

 

“We are hoping to explore more ways of collaborating with NDDC in tackling health challenges while delivering quality healthcare services to people of the state,” the statement said.

 

(NAN)

NDDC Top Official Arrested For Alleged Recharge Card Bribery

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested one Roberts Obuoha, a director in the project management department of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

The spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement Tuesday that Mr. Obuoha, an engineer, was arrested for attempting to bribe the EFCC Zonal Head (South-South), Ishaq Salihu.

Mr. Uwujaren added, “The suspect, who is under investigation with the commission, was invited to write a statement in a case of contract Splitting and over inflation.

“He was quizzed and offered administrative bail, but when he reported the next day to perfect his bail, he went to the Zonal Head’s office and offered him the sum of N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) to buy recharge card.

“The suspect claimed that he offered the said money to Mr. Salihu in order to build a good relationship with him.

“The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.”

Credit: PremiumTimes

Shake-up In NDDC As Acting DG Redeploys Management Staff

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There is mass shake-up at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), with the immediate redeployment of many management staff.

The Acting Managing Director of the Federal Government’s intervention agency, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, made the disclosure on Wednesday night, in a statement by her
Special Assistant (Media), Bekee Anyalewechi.

The redeployment is part of ongoing efforts to improve service and project delivery by the commission..

It was stated that a memo signed by Semenitari, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, announced the movement of 21 officers to new responsibilities, covering Legal Services, Procurement, Project Monitoring and Supervision, Administration, Environmental Protection and Control, as well as Education, Health and Social Services.

Other officers were also redeployed to Youths, Sports, Culture and Women Affairs, Information Technology, Special Duties, Community and Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries, Corporate Affairs, Project Management and SERVICOM Unit, while others were reassigned in seven state offices, namely, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Imo, Rivers and Ondo.

Credit: Nation

FG Moves To Probe NDDC

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Barely four days after sacking its last board members, the Federal Government is considering returning the Niger Delta Development Commission to a holistic development agency to be manned by core professionals rather than politicians to be able to transform the Niger Delta region.

 
The Presidency at the weekend relieved Dr. Henry Ogiri, Executive Director Finance, and Tuoyo Omatsuli, Executive Director Projects of the NDDC of their appointments, paving the way for the newly-appointed Sole Administrator/Acting Managing Director, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, to run the agency alone in the interim.

 
The unceremonious removal of the two men, who were seen as indispensible following their retention when the Managing Director, Mr. Bassey Dan-Abia, was removed two weeks ago, completes the sack of the board, which was empanelled by President Goodluck Jonathan in December 2013.

 
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, whose office supervises the commission, confirmed in a telephone chat with Vanguard that the Federal Government would beam its searchlight on the activities of the commission in its bid to make it serve the needs of the region better.

 
Describing the NDDC as being in bad shape, Lawal, lamented that the debt profile of the agency, which had not done much to transform the Niger Delta since its inception, had risen to N300 billion due to many contracts yet to be completed in most cases.

 
Lawal regretted that the organisation had lost its focus of serving primarily as a strategic development vehicle and served more as a political organisation, thereby denying the people of the area the real benefits for which it was set up.

 
The SGF said: “We have to reorganise the NDDC to serve as a strategic development organisation to be able to address the peculiar needs of the region and its people.

 
“As part of the re-organisation, we are going to beam our searchlight on the commission’s activities and see how best to reposition the agency for better performance. We will do whatever is necessary to put the NDDC in a better shape for the overall development of the area.

 
“I can tell you that the Federal Government is very sympathetic to the Niger Delta because of its peculiar terrain and we need to take urgent steps to put things right in the place,” the SGF said.

 
On why it took some time before the NDDC management was sacked, the SFG explained that the government needed to study the situation in the commission before wielding its axe against the officials.

 
“We needed to study the place before taking action,” he said.
On the complaints by some of the nine states that they had been marginalised by the sacking of their natives on the board and the appointment of a sole administrator, the SGF said the action was a temporary one and assured that none of the states would be short-changed.

 
Lawal said: “I want to assure all the nine states that nobody will be short-changed in the composition of the board and management of the NDDC. The right thing will be done by putting the right people in place in accordance with the Act setting up the commission.

 

 

Credit : Vanguard

NDDC Inaugurates Roads In Akwa Ibom Community

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated a 28.6km road in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom as part of the commission’s end of year activities.

 

A statement issued by the commission’s media officer, Mr Nsikan Usoro, in Uyo on Wednesday, said that the former NDDC Managing Director, Mr Bassey Dan-Abia, inaugurated the road.

 

It said that the commission awarded the contract in 2011 to JID Construction Company Limited.

 

It said that the road would link 10 communities, including Odoto Nkit, Ntak Inyang, Afaha Ekpenedi and Etebi.

 

According to the statement, Abia said that the NDDC undertook the project as part of a deliberate policy to open up and link rural communities in the area for development.

 

It said that the Idung Atang Edem Road leading to Idung Ekpene community also in Esit Eket, was inaugurated

 

Abia urged contractors executing all NDDC projects across the Niger Delta to be sincere and committed to their duties by delivering projects according to agreed specifications and terms.

 

He urged youths, traditional rulers, politicians and all stakeholders to cooperate with the present administration to drive the change mantra to a logical conclusion, to ensure the survival of the nation.

 

The contractor, who handled the Uquo Road, Mr Akin Ojo, said that the 28.6km road was built according to specification.

 

He added that indigenous contractors were now competing well with their foreign counterparts.

 

 

(NAN)

Reps Walk Out NCC, NDDC Over Non-Remitance Of Non-Oil Revenue

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Officials of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) were barred from a House of Representatives ad hoc committee hearing investigating alleged fraud in the remittance of generated non-oil revenue.

The officials of the two agencies were walked out due to the non-appearance of their chief executives.

The NCC was represented at the hearing by some officials led by the Director of Public Affairs, Anthony Ojobo, while the NDDC was represented by Executive Director of Finance, Henry Ogiri.

Other agencies at the public hearing included the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Nigerian Communications  Satelite (NigComSat)Ltd.

The action of the committee was coming on the heels of a challenge thrown to House committees by the Speaker Yakubu Dogara at a retreat earlier Monday that the House is set to drive the change agenda of the government.

Credit: Nation