…Commission received $40 billion in 10 years
Arising from systematic failures in procurement processes and contract scam, the chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Victor Ndoma-Egba has called for a critical review of the commission’s master plan, in order to strengthen the procurement processes of the commission.
The Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan (NDRDMP) was developed shortly after establishing the NDDC in 2000, estimated to cost some $50 billion over a 15-year period. But nearly 17 years down the line, the master plan was yet to kick-off. Also, the plan’s implementation has been mired in deep controversies between the commission, member-states, oil companies and federal government.
Meanwhile, the current Managing Director of NDDC, Nsima Ekere said recently that the Commission had received a total of $40 billion in the last 10 years. He described the Master Plan issue as a drain pipe.
Addressing newsmen last Sunday, the former Senate Leader said “We must strengthen our procurement processes to create a regional economy for our region through a long-term plan, because the 15-year master plan was abandoned immediately it was set up,” he stated.
Ndoma-Egba said the present management of NDDC was set to change the narratives of the way things were done in the past, because the Commission was more of a contract awarding institution, with systemic issues, than a development agency.
“We must apply the law setting up the Commission, create a synergy with our sister agency, and the various state governments through partnership, in other to enhance the wellbeing of the people. NDDC came out of historic agitation of addressing the problems of the region and creating a regional economy of the people of the Niger Delta,” the NDDC chairman said.
He cited so many reasons why over 10,0000 projects are abandoned because of crises of ownership between NDDC, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the various state governments in the region; adding that the NDDC needs a long-term plan to guard it and focus more as a development agency.
“There is no doubt that we need to create a long-term framework and an integrated development agency, because the greatest resource of the region is its population. We must work to ensure that the youths of the region take maximum opportunity in ICT, and create an environment for young people to express their talent; most especially in sports and agricultural opportunities,” he stated.
Ndoma-Egba, the immediate Leader of the 7th Senate, said, the solution to problems of the Niger Delta was development and engagement of the youths, through ICT and other agricultural opportunities that are available in the region.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
