…Threatens to sue IOCs over Non-Remittance of dues

By Daniel Abia

The Niger Delta Indigenous Contractors Association, NDICA, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exempt the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, from the treasury single account, TSA, to enhance speedy execution of projects in the region.

The contractors have also threatened to take a legal action against the international oil companies, IOCs operating in the Niger Delta for not remitting the 3% dues to the Commission for more than five years, a situation that has retarded implementation of projects for the good of the Niger Delta people.

In a statement issued weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers state by the President of NDICA, Chief Dressman Darlinton, the group said there was an urgent need for President Tinubu to prevail on the IOCs to fulfil their responsibilities to the interventionist agency while he works out modalities for the NDDC to be exempted from the TSA.

Chief Dressman further expressed deepest gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing technocrats and men of character into the NDDC board, adding that their expertise and integrity have undoubtedly played a crucial role in steering the NDDC towards its objectives and goals. “It is through their leadership that Niger Delta have seen positive developments and progress within the region”, he said.

“While we reflect on the outcomes of the summit, it is evident that there is still much work to be done to address the challenges facing the Niger Delta region. In this regard, we call on Mr. President to consider exempting the NDDC from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system. Such an exemption would enable the NDDC to operate more efficiently and effectively, thereby enhancing its performance and impact on the region”.

On his part, Hon. Kelvin Gigi, a stakeholder of the association also urged the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and ecological funds to remit their contributions and monies due to the NDDC promptly. He said these funds are essential for the NDDC to carry out its mandate and implement crucial projects that will benefit the people of the Niger Delta region.

“As a concerned association, we will not hesitate to institute a legal action against the IOCs if at the end of August this year they refuse to remit their dues to the Commission. It is very clear that contractors are being owed by the Commission because of the inability of the oil majors to pay their dues to the Commission”, he said.

Nevertheless, Chief Dressman urged the NDDC to see the prioritization of payment of contractors, award of signature projects of high importance to the region, mobilization of contractors for timely execution of vital projects as essential for the sustainable development and prosperity of the Niger Delta region.

He expressed gratitude to critical stakeholders who graced the just concluded NDDC Summit with their presence, especially former President Goodluck Jonathan GCFR, Senate President Godswll Akpabio and Governors of the Niger Delta states among other key dignitaries.