NDDC tasks oil firms on delay of remittances in Niger Delta

SOLE Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC), Efiong Akwa, has cautioned oil firms in the region against delaying their statutory remittances to help stabilise and enhance security of oil production in Niger Delta.

He sought collaboration with the government of United States of America ( USA) to produce a revised Regional Development Master Plan for the region. Akwa spoke when a delegation of the United States Consulate in Lagos, led by the Political and Economic Chief, Brandom Hudspeth, visited him at the Commission’s new headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“We have a good relationship with the oil companies, but sometimes they delay in paying their statutory remittances. The law says that they should pay three per cent of their annual budget to the NDDC for the development of the Niger Delta region.

“But most of these funds are often delayed. They should fulfill their obligations to the commission, as this will help in stabilising the region because security of the region means security of oil production,” he stated.

ASthe 2021 Nigeria National League ( NNL) season kicks off this weekend, players and officials of Ogun State- based Nilayo FC have set their eyes on getting all three points from their clash with Nnewi United at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

Nilayo FC is in Group B1 alongside Shooting Stars of Ibadan, Go Round FC, Rovers FC, Vandrezzer FC, Delta Force, Nnewi United, Stores, Giant Brillars, Dynamite FC, Ekiti United and Akajobi FC.

In a chat with The Guardian yesterday, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Company, Bukola Olopade, said the club had been enjoying good preparation ahead of the commencement of the season.

Olopade, who is the club proprietor, said: “I will be in Abeokuta to cheer Nilayo FC on Sunday February 14, and I am looking forward to a good game. We have done what is expected of us, and it is left for the players and their coaches to perform on the pitch. Our target is to pick one of the tickets to the professional league at the end of the season, and we have to begin on a good note.”

Meanwhile, President of Nilayo FC, Mr. Ebidowei Oweifie, has explained that the outcome of COVID- 19 tests, which gave the players a clean bill of health, is a morale booster that has put the team in a positive mood ahead of the season opener. “We are glad about the development, anything contrary could have divided our focus, but thankfully, it has further put us in a shape where we can begin our campaign on a positive note.”

On his part, General Manager of the club, Mr. Lekan Kelani has expressed delight with the development saying that the clean bill of health was a result of the stringent measures that was put in place at the club in tandem with the global COVID- 19 protocols.