…NDDC demands removal of funding impediments

By Chioma Onuegbu Uyo

THE Federal Government has advised the new board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to ensure faithful implementation of recommendations of the forensic audit report.

The Minister, of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh gave the advice weekend in Ikot Ekpene LGA of Akwa Ibom State while addressing stakeholders at a two-day NDDC  retreat with the theme “,Renewed Hope: A new era for vitality, peace & Development”.

Momoh who declared the retreat open stressed that there was need to tackle those factors that constitutes a clog in the wheel of development, and programme of the commission if they must make any headway in charting the desired roadmap for the sustainable development in the region.

His words, “As you are all aware, the Forensic Audit had been concluded and its report submitted to Government. While the White Paper on the report of the Forensic Audit is being awaited, some of its recommendations, are being implemented; an example is the constitution of a New Board for the Commission.

“The tasks before this New Board shall include a faithful implementation of the recommendations of the report of the Forensic Audit, in line with the President’s “Renewed Hope agenda.

“Dear Board Members and Management Staff, I want to remind us that if we must make any headway in charting the desired roadmap for sustainable development of the region, all hands must be on deck, with every courage it deserves, to tackle those factors that have constituted a clog in the wheel of development programmes and policies in the region.

” It is expedient that I draw your attention to the need to constantly monitor and evaluate the performances of all contracts to ensure compliance with the scope and other details. 

“Once again, I would like the Board and the Management to note that our desired paradigm shift, in terms of the positive change we all crave, can only be achieved if all, or most of the identified tasks before you are faithfully executed with strict adherence to the dictates of the relevant laws.

In his address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku appealed that the commission be removed from the Treasury Single Account framework (TSA) that it is currently operating.

He pointed out that the past leadership of the NDDC recorded more achievements before the TSA era, adding the issue of financial framework for effective service delivery need to be addressed. 

“Consider our past successes: Many landmark projects were brought to life before the TSA era, utilizing Advance payment Guarantees to expedite delivery and ensure timely execution.

“While we embrace the TSA transparency goals, its centralized control has undoubtedly created hurdles, particularly in maintaining project pace. The limited construction window further compounds these challenges.

  “To truly deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda, we need to remove the funding impediments. We advocate the removal of the NDDC from operating under the TSA framework due to the commission’s unique characteristics and the  potential benefits of the increased autonomy in financial management.

 “The NDDC Board and Management are ready to work hand-in-hand with the Federal Government for unprecedented, efficient, and transparent development of the Niger Delta.

“Give us the trust and the flexibility to operate within a responsible, tailored financial framework, and we will demonstrably deliver results faster and more efficiently than ever before. Remember, our mission’s success is measured not by budgets or timelines, but by the tangible transformations we bring to the lives of the people we serve.

” With your support, a financial framework that fosters agility and innovation within a transparent and accountable system, and the removal of unnecessary constraints, we can chart a course towards a brighter future- a future where the Niger Delta becomes a beacon of hope and prosperity for the entire nation”, Ogbuku stated.

In his remarks earlier, the Chairman NDDC governing board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie  who described  the objective of the 2024 Retreat which aims to further align the board and management of the Commission with President’s Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as very timely.

Ebie noted that since their inauguation in November 2023  that they have achieved progress, adding, “We have adopted a leadership style that  tends to instil confidence in our people, pritotizing their well being through constructive collaboration and mutual respect.  

“At the end of this retreat we should become aware that the main parameter for assessment as board members and management staff  will largely be dependent on how we discharge our duties, and the legacies we leave behind in terms of development and improvement of the region”