‘ Frequent changes in NDDC board responsible for challenges in project execution, delivery ’
• FG urges agency’s board to implement recommendations of forensic audit report • NDDC signs performance bond
FREQUENT changes in the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) ha ve largely accounted for the challenges in project execution and delivery in the development of the region.
Hence, the Federal Government has been called upon to ensure that the current Board completes its tenure, and that there is continuity in succeeding boards to ensure sustainability of the Commission’s projects.
These were contained in the communique issued at the end of two- day Board and Management Retreat of NDDC, with the theme, ‘ Renewed Hope: A New Era for Vitality, Peace and Development.’
It also said that there will be no meaningful sustainable development in Niger Delta region without reviewed and updated Niger Delta R egional Developmental Master Plan for guiding and implementing development initiatives in the region, just as the board and management of the Commission ha ve been charged to develop the political will to manage the political pressure on the operations of the Commission.
The communique also noted that there is need for the urgent release of all outstanding statutory contributions of the Federal Government to the NDDC fund, as the nonrelease of funds has significantly hampered the ability of the Commission to deliver on its mandate.
MEANWHILE, the Fed eral G overnment has advised the new board and management of the NDDC to ensure faithful implementation of recommendations of the forensic audit report.
The Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, gave the advice, at the weekend, in Ikot Ekpene Council of Akwa Ibom State, while addressing stakeholders at a two- day NDDC retreat with the theme. Momoh, who declared the retreat open, stressed that there was need to tackle those factors that constitute a clog in the wheel of development and programmes of the commission if they must make any headway in charting the desired road map for the sustainable development in the region.
His words: “As y ou are all aware, the Forensic A udit has been concluded and its report submitted to the government. While the White Paper on the report of the Forensic A udit is being awaited, some of its recommendations are being implemented; an example is the constitution of a new board for the Commission.”
ALSO, the NDDC has signed a Performance Bond with the Ministr y of Niger Delta Development as part of its commitment to achieving the objectives of the Tinubu administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of the Niger Delta Development supervised the signing ceremony during the two- day retreat. The Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Chiedu Ebie, the Managing Director, Dr . Samuel Ogbuku, and the Executive Directors signed on behalf of the NDDC.