By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC has given further clarification on the Memorandum of Understanding,MOU, it signed with US based Atlanta Global Resources Inc., AGRI to build a railway network to connect the nine states of the Niger Delta region.
A statement by the commission endorsed by Director of Corporate Affairs, Dr Ibitoye Abosode made available to newsmen said the clarification has become necessary following public perception that it had signed the Engineering, Procurement and Construction, EPC, contract for the project.
The statement it said was also to demonstrate it’s commitment towards transperancy in all it’s processes.
“We have been inundated with enquiries over what is ordinarily one of the preliminary steps necessary for the actualization of a partnership arrangement with the private sector.
“All we signed at the PPP Summit was a basic MOU to commence the preliminary processes of feasibility and viability of the rail project. It did not include any agreement on details.
“It is only after the preliminary studies, that the finance appraisals will be done and then the civil engineering procurements and the locomotive hardware will be considered.
“For those who may not know, the Atlanta Global Resources Inc deals with financing for Industrial products, infrastructure projects, agriculture equipment, capital equipment financing etc. They came recommended by a reliable US financial institution, especially for the deployment of US-produced locomotives.” It explained.
It further said that the, “NDDC is aware that a partnership agreement of a massive project such as a railway network involves many international and national financial protocols.
“It has many ramifications at the highest level of government. It is also not unaware of the Federal Government contract of 2021 for rail line construction, however the proposed network covered by the MOU is on a different alignment.
“Obviously, many things will be involved and it comes in the mold of the NLNG train 7. Again, the ICRC and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, as well as the Ministry of Transport will be part of the negotiations. In addition, EPC contractors and hundreds of other international consultants will be involved.”
It maintained that the commission was not unaware that there must be sovereign guarantees which could only be granted by the Federal Government, after which it would seek the approval of the National Assembly for such project.
The PPP model according to the statement was adopted as an alternative funding model and urged stakeholders to give the NDDC the necessary support to ensure that the venture is successful.
“What we signed on April 25 is simply the opening phase that will determine how far we will go, but it definitely showcases how interested the international partners are in tapping into the Niger Delta region. They are swarming in droves. This indicates that we are looking at a bright and prosperous Niger Delta from the prism of the PPP.
“We expect that there will be challenges, especially at this initial stage, but that will not discourage us in any way. Understandably, going public to celebrate our little success is attracting bigger investors and interests. Out of ten, one or two might be successful to the benefit of the region.
“The prospects of realizing the rail network are very good and we are confident that we will succeed ultimately.
“The current Board and Management of the NDDC have resolved to do things differently so as to effectively drive sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
” To give effect to this, we decided to use the PPP model to provide alternative sources of funding for key development projects and programmes.” It concluded.
