NDDC applies strategy to free 180 projects from EIA overhang for years

…MD says no EIA certificate, no payment to consultants

About 180 projects long completed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) within 2014, 2026, and 2022, have been idle due to absence of environmental impact assessment (EIA) certification by the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Now, the Management of the Commission has found a strategy by applying ‘no EIA, no payment’ to the consultants obligated to acquire the certifications. By this pronouncement, 180 such certifications are now being processed.

This is because the NDDC is said to have intensified efforts to conclude all pending EIA certification processes for the projects spread across the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during a meeting with EIA consultants at the Commission’s Headquarters, Anthony Akpan, the Director, Environmental Protection and Control, said the Commission had recorded significant progress in resolving long-standing EIA certification issues affecting projects awarded in the 2014, 2016, and 2022 fiscal cycles.

Akpan noted that delays in obtaining environmental approvals and certificates from the Federal Ministry of Environment had slowed down project delivery and negatively impacted communities expected to benefit from the projects.

She explained that following a formal appeal submitted by the Commission to the Minister of Environment, the Ministry approved waivers and concessions to facilitate the close-out of all pending EIA applications.

According to her, the Commission sought the Ministry’s approval of in-house review processes, waivers or reductions of statutory charges and fees, and the issuance of EIA certificates for the affected projects.

The Director further disclosed that Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, had introduced a new directive linking payment for EIA consultancy services to the successful procurement of EIA permits from the Federal Ministry of Environment.

She stated, “Going forward, payment for EIA services shall only be made to consultants upon the successful securing of EIA permits from the Federal Ministry of Environment. This means that the final release of consultancy fees is now tied directly to the delivery of valid EIA certificates and permits for each project.”

Akpan explained that the directive was aimed at ensuring accountability, value for money, and timely completion of environmental assessment processes for all the Commission’s projects.

She also assured consultants that the Commission’s Management had resolved to settle all outstanding statutory obligations and fees required by the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure the seamless procurement of EIA certificates and permits.

Earlier, Oscar Abayisemore, the Deputy Director, Environmental Protection and Control, in charge of Ecological Monitoring, said the meeting was organised to communicate Management’s reforms to the new EIA process to consultants handling projects for the Commission.

According to Seledi Thompson-Wakama,

Director, Corporate Affairs, Abayisemore expressed optimism that the reforms would ensure smoother, more efficient EIA processes within the NDDC.

In his remarks, Daniel George, Coordinating Consultant, described the engagement as an opportunity to resolve several backlog EIA projects in the Commission’s portfolio, noting that the exercise would benefit the people of the Niger Delta region.

“We are happy for this opportunity and grateful for the initiative taken by the Managing Director through the EPC Department. This process will help us close out several outstanding EIA projects and ultimately benefit the people of the Niger Delta region,” he said.