Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: NDDC

NASS Screens Lauretta Onochie, 13 Others For NDDC Roles
The Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Niger Delta on Thursday screened Lauretta Onochie as Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board.
Onochie, a Special Assistant on Social Media to President Muhammadu Buhari, was screened by the joint committees alongside 13 others for NDDC board roles.
Buhari had written to the Senate requesting the Upper Chamber to confirm the appointment of the Chairman and Members of the NDDC board in accordance with the provisions of section 2( 2)( a) of the Niger Delta Development Commission( Establishment) Act.
However, there appeared to be reservations by some committee members against the nomination of Onochie notably on the grounds that she is not from an oil-producing community in Delta State where she hails from and this is against the NDDC Act and consequently she cannot chair the commission.
Committee member, Senator Seriake Dickson noted this during the screening exercise but he got pushback from some committee members who argued that it is not explicitly stated in the NDDC Act.
Another committee member, Senator Orji Kalu reminded his colleagues that a former NDDC Chairman Onyema Ugochukwu is from Abia State.
This is the second time Buhari forwarded a list of nominees for the NDDC board for confirmation.
He sent the first list of nominees for the board in 2021 and the Senate screened and confirmed the nominees.
However, Senate President Ahmad Lawan stated that Buhari’s decision to send another list of nominees for confirmation was because there was a flaw in the previous compilation.
NDDC Board Nominees
Below are some of the new nominees for the NDDC board:
1. Chairman – Laureta Ifeanyi Onochie (Delta, South-South)
2. Dimgba Erugba State representative (Abia, South-East)
3. Dr Ene Wilcox (Akwa Ibom, State Representative, South-South)
4. Dr Pius Odudu (Edo, South-South)
5. Hon.Gbenga Odegba (Ondo, South-West)
6. Engr. Anthony Ekene (Imo, South-East)
7. Onyekachi Dimgba (Rivers, South-South)
8. Alhaji Mohammed Kabiru Abubakar (Zonal Representative, Nasarawa)
9. Professor Tallen Mamma, SAN (North-East Representative, Adamawa)
10. Sodique Sani (North-West, Zonal Representative)
11. Chief Dr. Samuel Ibukun (MD)
12. General Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere (Rtd) (Executive of Finance)
13. Charles Ogunmola (Executive Director Project, South-West)
December 15, 2022
N2.6 trillion debt: Reps invite NNPC, NDDC, others for investigation
By Isaac Kertyo
In its bid to investigate over N2.6 trillion debt owed by oil companies, the House of Representatives has invited the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and many others before the House.
The other bodies invited by the House Ad-hoc Committee on the recovery of outstanding debts owed to the Federal Government by Oil and Gas companies in Nigeria include the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Upstream Regulatory Commission, Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
This is based on the report of the National Extractive Industries Extractive Initiative that 77 Oil and Gas companies operating in Nigeria were owing the Federal Government over N2.6 trillion.
The Clerk of the Committee, Mr Eric Makwe, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja, against the backdrop of the 2020 NEITI report.
He said that the invitation was based on the motion at plenary on November 30, 2021, which cited the NEITI report that 77 Oil and Gas companies operating in Nigeria were owing the Federal Government over N2.6 trillion.
The clerk also noted that the House directed NEITI, the National Oil Spill Detection Agency, and the FIRS to provide necessary data that was needed in the investigation that would help to facilitate recovery of the debts.
He also said that the head of the 18-member ad hoc committee investigating the debt, Representative Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, had assured that the committee would thoroughly investigate all issues raised in the NEITI report.
“The probe is in respect of outstanding liabilities owed by Oil and Gas which include payments of royalties, levies, rents, concessions, rentals, and penalties,” he said.
Others are taxes, including petroleum profit tax, company income tax, education tax, Value Added Tax, withholding tax, among others.
Makwe also noted that the major concern of the lawmakers was on the current poor revenue structure and rising debt profile which the government was battling.
It was gathered that the committee had already begun the investigation and was already making interesting discoveries.
March 14, 2022
FG to Release White Paper on NDDC Forensic Audit Report
Senior special assistant to the president on Niger Delta affairs, Ita Enang has said that the federal government will be releasing a white paper on the report of the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Enang disclosed this in an interview on Channels Television. He said the white paper on the forensic audit report will show the recommendations which are accepted or rejected by the federal government.
The presidential aide also noted that it will amount to prejudice if he gives details of the audit prior to the release of the white paper.
He said;
“Yes, I’m confident. Nigerians are all confident because Mr President does and means whatever he says.
“A lot of people have asked ‘when are these people going to be brought to book?’ We want to say that the recommendations of the forensic auditors are still being examined and when a report is submitted to the government, the government will have its committee or appropriate officer or office examine the recommendations of that committee, in the case of the forensic audit report, and then to prepare white paper.
“It is the white paper showing what the executive has accepted and what it has rejected that will draw attention to whoever is culpable to what extent and what needs to be done, if there is anything to be recovered or otherwise.
“Right now, we cannot speak definitively on who to recover from or what to recover because until the white paper is out showing the recommendations that have been accepted, it will be a prejudging issue.
“And the Holy Bible has said that even God in all His wisdom did not pass judgement on Adam until he had called upon him to make a defence.
“And that defence they have made, that is what is being examined now and the white paper will come out with appropriate recommendations that have been accepted; that will be when the rest will be done.”
When asked when the white paper will be released, Enang said;
“I want to say that very soon you will hear because this matter is of utmost importance to Mr president because a few of the actions which ought to be taken from different directions depend on the outcome of this. We are conscious about it and we will be expeditious about all that is pending to be done.”
January 4, 2022
Buhari orders release of outstanding debts owed NDDC
President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the release of outstanding funds owed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
He has also ordered the immediate revival and completion of all viable abandoned projects warning that anyone found culpable in the mismanagement of the commission’s funds would be prosecuted.
Buhari gave the order on Thursday in Uyo during the virtual commissioning of a 1,050 bed space hostel built and donated by the NDDC to the University of Uyo after it was abandoned for 17 years
The President commended the NDDC for the hostel complex and promised that all recovered funds from the NDDC would be used for the service of the people.
“Therefore, going forward we shall ensure every recoverable kobo recovered will be used for the service of the people of this region and those found capable would face the law.
“Consequently, once we finish this commissioning, I will direct all money contributed to the NDDC to remit all outstanding funds to the commission, and to ensure this is done transparently and according to the laid down procedure and process.
“When I directed the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to institute a forensic audit of the commission after many representations by major stakeholders in the Niger Delta, I also directed that all viable projects which were being abandoned which will impart positively on the lives and livelihood of the people be immediately revived and completed.” He stated.
He described the hostel project comprising 525 rooms for both male and female, as an ultra modern hostel complex equipped with hard and software facilities, saying the Federal Government was concerned and interested in alleviating the accommodation challenges faced by students in the country.
“This ultra modern hostel complex built and donated to the University of Uyo by the NDDC renews our confidence that the forensic audit which has been completed and currently being reviewed for necessary action will achieve one of its core objectives.
“That objective is to build the NDDC into an agency that is well equipped and better placed to facilitate sustainable regional development in an impactful way.” Buhari said.
Governor Udom Emmanuel who was represented at the occasion by the Commissioner for Power and Petroleum Development, Dr John Etim, commended the President for the completion and commissioning of the hotel.
Also speaking, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio explained that the forensic audit revealed that 17,000 projects have been abandoned in the region.
Akpabio stated that 77 roads and many health centers have so far been completed, noting that the hostel project is a major transformation effort in the university.
On his part, the Interim Administrator of the NDDC, Mr Effiong Akwa said the new hostel project is the third time the President would be inaugurating an NDDC project this year, noting that the three project were abandoned before the forensic audit of the commission.
While presenting an award of distinction to the President, Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo promised to maintain the new facility.
December 31, 2021
NDDC saga: Don’t distract Akpabio, NYCN Tells Critics
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has urged the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswil Akpabio not to allow himself to be distracted from pursuing the reforms in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) insisting that the benefits of the reforms are being felt by the people of the region as reflected in the peace being enjoyed in the region today.
The NYCN in a statement signed by its President, Solomon Adodo reacting to allegations by critics of the Minister who accused him of passing the buck on his responsibility for the constitution of NDDC Board, urged the Minister to follow due process and not be intimidated by those who are rattled by the ongoing reforms at the NDDC.
It would be recalled that a group, Niger Delta Peoples Forum had issued a statement entitled, ‘NDDC Board: ‘Akpabio is responsible for delay of inauguration’.
However, the NYCN maintained that the allegations were baseless considering the fact that report of the Forensic Audit just submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari needs to be studied before action would be taken.
“It is spurious that the said group making allegations against the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs forgot that in the 19 years of existence of NDDC prior to this dispensation, it has always been used as conduit pipe for a few individuals to siphon resources to their private pockets without any tangible development for the region. It is rather regrettable, that now that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is on the mission of repositioning the Commission for the benefit of the entire region, these individuals are struggling to ensure that the region remains relapses back into a chaos and a redundant state”.
“The attempt by the group to thwart the achievement of Senator Akpabio such as the completion of NDDC Head office (laying claim that its was already 80% complete before his assumption of duty in July 2019); the completion of a student hostel block in Uyo; and a rural electricity project in Ondo, is laughable. The headquarter building of NDDC that was started several years ago and is completed under Akpabio is no mean achievement. While it may not be convenient for the critics to highlight the gains of NDDC under this administration, the people of the region are grateful for the reforms.” the statement noted.
The NYCN maintained that the NDDC that almost went comatose prior to the administration of President Buhari is been rejuvenated. Apart from the several infrastructural and skills acquisition programmes executed by the Commission, contractors who abandoned projects after payment fully made are returning to site to execute the projects.
Consequently, the umbrella youth body pledged to stand by the present administration to ensure that the Commission is transformed to serve the purpose it was created for.
November 19, 2021
Crude Oil Deposits Discovered In Sokoto, Bauchi, Kogi And Lagos States – Senator Olamilekan
By Muhammad Goronyo, Sokoto
A bill seeking to include Bauchi, Kogi and Lagos states as part of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has passed the second reading at the senate.
The source, “the Cable” said in recent years, crude oil deposits were discovered in Bauchi, Kogi, Sokoto and Lagos.
While leading a debate on the bill seeking to amend the NDDC act on Wednesday, Solomon Olamilekan, senator representing Lagos west, said states where crude oil has been discovered should be accorded their “rightful status”.
Olamilekan said the states should also enjoy the 13 percent derivation that other oil-producing states enjoy.
“[The NDDC law should be amended] to include states that have attained oil-producing status. Bauchi, Lagos and Kogi are entitled to 13 percent derivation,” the senator said.
Contributing to the debate, Matthew Urhoghide, senator representing Edo south, said bringing non-Niger Delta states into the commission will make a mockery of the NDDC.
“I’m not against recognising these states as oil-producing states. But the nine states that make up the Niger Delta region are very clear. Because they produce oil does not make them part of the Niger Delta,” Urhoghide said.
“They are free to gain from the 13 percent derivation. There should be a line… but bringing Bauchi as part of the NDDC will make a mockery of what it stands for.”
Expressing concerns, Ovie Omo-Agege, deputy senate president, said Olamilekan, sponsor of the bill, is a “meddlesome interloper”.
“We look forward to the day that all states produce oil or one form of mineral resource or the other. The 13 percent derivation is not an issue. But the issue is whether or not they should come under the NDDC,” Omo-Agege said.
“This bill shows that the sponsor is a meddlesome interloper. Lagos is not the Niger Delta. As we speak, we have an issue with Ondo being recognised as Niger Delta.”
On his part, Bala Na’Allah, senator representing Kebbi south, said a new organisation should be created to take care of the areas where oil is being discovered.
“The fact that we have discovered oil in Lagos, Ogun, Bauchi and equally Sokoto… my concern is that this is genuine,” Na’Allah said.
“A certain fund should be established to address the challenges of these new areas where oil is found.”
November 10, 2021
NDDC Audit Report: MIIVOC Sues Malami
As part of activities marking the celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2021, a non-governmental organization, Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption-MIIVOC, Wednesday, dragged Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami to court for violation of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
The Suit filed at the Federal High Court, Benin, with number FHC/B/CS/122/2021 between the Registered Trustees of Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption (MIIVOC) and the Attorney General of the Federation, seeks to compel the Attorney General of the Federation to release a copy of the Forensic Audit Report on the Niger Delta Development Commission-NDDC.
Confirming the suit, MIIVOC’s Executive Director, Dr. Walter Duru explained that the step became necessary following what he described as an unsatisfactory response of the Attorney General to a request for a copy of the Audit Report brought, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
According to Duru, “following the submission of the report of the Forensic Audit on NDDC to the Attorney General by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio, MIIVOC’s Executive Director, Dr. Walter Duru, had, during a live programme on Africa Independent Television called on the Attorney General to publish the report for the consumption of members of the public. We followed up with an FOI request. In a letter dated September 7, 2021, MIIVOC sent a Freedom of Information Act request to the Attorney General of the Federation, asking for a copy of the Forensic Audit Report on the NDDC.”
“In a letter dated September 14, 2021, signed by Hamza Adeyinka Omolara, Assistant Chief State Counsel, with reference number MJ/7215/1/26, the Attorney General’s office invoked section 6 of the Freedom of Information Act, seeking extension of time to deal with the request.”
“In another letter dated September 20, 2021, with reference number MJ/7215/1/28, also signed by Hamza Adeyinka Omolara, Assistant Chief State Counsel, the Attorney General further invoked Section 5 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, informing us that our request had been transferred to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, who, according to him, has greater interest in the matter. Section five says “may” and not shall. The Attorney General has the document and there is no reason why he should not release it to us. We are not satisfied with the Attorney General’s response, hence, our decision to invoke section 20 of the FOI Act, seeking judicial review.”
Also speaking, Ayodele Otuakhena, Esq of FOI Counsel, who filed the suit on behalf of MIIVOC accused the Federal Ministry of Justice of abuse of the FOI Act.
According to him, “there is overwhelming evidence that the Attorney General has copies of the report, as he received same from the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. He is therefore under obligation to release it.”
MIIVOC’s other activities marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2021 include a Freedom of Information Implementation review meeting for FOI Desk officers of public institutions in Edo State, supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption programme, funded by the European Union, but managed by the British Council, as well as other enlightenment programmes.
Other highlights of the celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2021 in Edo State was a TweetChat on the ‘Right to Know’, with the theme: Building Back Better with Access to Information, organized by the FOI Counsel.
September 30, 2021
NDDC Audit Report: MIIVOC Invokes FOI Act on Malami
Following last week’s submission of the forensic audit report on the Niger Delta Development Commission-NDDC, a civil society organization, Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption-MIIVOC has invoked the Freedom of Information Act on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, asking for a copy of the report.
In a letter dated September 7, 2021, signed by MIIVOC’s Executive Director, Dr. Walter Duru and addressed to the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, the organization made a single demand of a copy of the forensic audit report, as received by the Attorney General.
The letter reads in part:
“Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption (MIIVOC) is a Nigerian Civil Society Organization with interest in the campaign against injustice, violence, immorality and corruption.”
“We felicitate with you on the receipt of the NDDC Forensic Audit Report. In view of the right of Nigerians to know, we most respectfully request a copy of the Forensic Audit Report on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as submitted to your office.”
“We expect that the response to this request reaches us within seven (7) days of receipt of this Letter, as required by the FOI Act through our email address: miivocinfo@gmail.com and a hard copy sent to our office in Abuja, Nigeria.”
Recall that Dr. Duru, in a live televising programme recently called on the Attorney General of the Federation to proactively disclose the report, in compliance with section Two of the Freedom of Information Act.
It would also be recalled that the long-awaited Forensic Audit Report on the Niger Delta Development Commission was submitted last week to Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice by the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio.
September 8, 2021
Buhari Orders Criminal Investigation Into N6Trillion Investment In NDDC For 19 Yrs
… 13,777 Projects Substantially Compromised
… Decries 362 NDDC Bank Accounts
From Leo Nzwanke,
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered criminal investigation into an approximated six trillion naira given to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) since 2001.
Recall that the President had ordered for a holistic forensic audit of the activities of the Commission from from inception to August 2019 in response to the yearnings of the people of the Niger Delta region to reposition it for the effective service delivery.
Buhari gave this order Thursday in Abuja after receiving the final forensic audit report from the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.
Represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, Buhari stated: “The Federal Government will in consequence apply the law to remedy the deficiencies outlined in the audit report as appropriate.
“This will include but not limited to initiation of criminal investigations, prosecution, recovery of funds not properly utilized for the public purposes for which they were meant for amongst others.
“In all these instances of actions, legal due processes will strictly be complied with.”
According to the President, the forensic audit report will be forwarded to the Federal ministry of Justice for a legal review and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government will be engage in doing justice to the findings accordingly.
Buhari disclosed that, It is on record that between 2001 and 2019, the federal government has approved three trillion, three Hundred and Seventy five billion, seven
hundred and seventy six thousand, seven Hundred and ninety four naira, ninety three kobo as budgetary and two trillion, four hundred and twenty billion, nine hundred and forty million, and, eight hundred and ninety four thousand, one hundred and ninety one naira as income from Statutory and non-Statutory Sources, which brings the total sum to six trillion naira given to the Niger Delta Development Commission.
He said it was also on record that the execution of over 13, 777 projects in the oil rich region were substantially compromised.
Buhari noted that the Federal government is also concerned about multitudes of Niger Delta development commission’s bank accounts amounting to 362 and lack of proper reconciliation of accounts.
He stated that the call for the audit by the people of the Niger Delta Region arose from the huge gaps between resources invested in the region vis a vis the huge gap in infrastructural, human and economic development.
Buhari said he was not oblivious of the interest generated by Stakeholders towards the forensic audit exercise and the agitation for the constitution of the Board
of the NDDC.
He went on: “However, this Administration is determined to address challenges militating against the delivery of the mandate of the NDDC to the people of the Niger Delta Region.
“It is in the broader context of the foregoing developments that the recently signed into Law the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which has been a contentious issue over the years for successive governments, to bring about the prudence and accountability in the Petroleum Sector and to give a sense of participation and ownership to the host communities.”
According to him, the report on the forensic audit of the NNDC and recommendations will be critically analysed for necessary action and implementation.
“We owe it a duty to the people of the Niger Delta Region to improve their standard of living through the provision of adequate infrastructural and socio-economic development.
“The welfare and socio- economic inclusion of the Niger Delta Region is paramount to the development and security of the Region and by extension the country.
“Funds spent on development activities should as a consequence promote political and socio-economic stability in the Region,” Buhari added.
Earlier in his remarks, Akpabio disclosed that the auditors have concluded examination
and documentation of a total 13,777 contracts for projects and programmes awarded to Contractors and consultants in all Niger Delta States from 2001-August 2019, at a total final contract value of N3,274.206,032,213.24.
According to Akpabio, the name and identity of a vast number of beneficiary companies were also captured as well.
His words: “Via Field Verification, the Forensic Auditors established the exact status of all contracts for projects and programmes in all constituent states during the period under review classified into completed, ongoing, abandoned, terminated, taken-over and non-existence.”
The Minister disclosed that the auditors also focused on funding gaps, Irregularities, mismanagements and Due Process Violations/Conflicts of interest.
He went on: “A Personnel Audit and Review of the governance and organisational structure of NDDC was also carried out. An operational guideline/Manual and a fit-for-purpose organogram that would aid the transformation of NDDC to a globally competitive development agency has been developed as well.
“Available financial records of the commission were analysed with the aim of establishing the total amount of funds received by the Commission from all sources, both statutory and non-statutory and the total funds and other resources paid to contractors as well as the total amount outstanding as debts with regards to such projects within the period under reference.
“The Auditors have also provided policy recommendations, in terms of measures that should be taken to ensure the prevention of such irregularities and mismanagement, going forward.
“With utmost respect Sir, I crave the indulgence of Your Excellency that after my speech, the Lead Forensic Auditors will present to you a quick summary of their Findings and Recommendations.”
September 3, 2021
Abia communities reiterate resolve to compel NDDC to complete abandoned road projects
By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu
Isiala Ntighauzo and Ntighauzo Amairi Autonomous communities in Obingwa local government area of Abia State say they are not resting on their oars to ensure that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) completes road projects abandoned in the communities.
The communities said that they are highly disappointed with the nonchalant attitude of the commission over incessant appeals from the communities to the commission to complete Apu and Ali and Iferife roads which have subjected members of the communities to untold hardship.
In a chat with Comrade Adindu Johnson, the President of Ntighauzo Amairi Progressives, a socio- political pressure group which membership cuts across both communities, he said that several appeals to the commission for quick intervention on the roads which have exposed members of the communities to excruciating pains fell on deaf ears.
” The communities are not resting on their oars to ensure that the commission is dragged back to site to complete the roads it abandoned for years now.
“The irony of the whole episode is that commission has not expressed any concern over several previous interventions the communities have made to ensure that the roads are completed and the suffering of our people ameliorated. Rather the commission had looked the other way and the suffering of our people continues unabated,” Adindu said.
Adindu also disclosed that situation has forced members of the communities to embark on a protest hoping to attract the attention of the commission to no avail.
He further noted that 30-day ultimatum issued by the communities to the commission has expired without any response from the commission.
According to him, the communities will not hesitate to deploy any legitimate means to ensure that this anomaly is addressed and suffering of the people abated.
June 30, 2021