Asuquo Ekpeyong, chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC; Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Regional Development; Olanipekun Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission unveiling the plaque to inaugurate training centre, Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC MD; Ifedayo Abegunde, NDDC Executive Director Corporate Services.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seems satisfied with the financial operations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and will soon begin the release of more funds recovered on behalf of the intervention agency.
The financial crimes agency admits that the NDDC led at the moment by Samuel Ogbuku is now a transformed government agency.
Some partners including oil majors were at a point paying their contributions into the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) when the NDDC was undergoing forensic audit which focused on spending of over N6trn in 20 years.
Now, Olanipekun Olukoyede, EFCC boss, has assured of the release of more recovered funds.
The EFCC boss made the promise during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Training Centre in Otuokpoti, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He also commissioned the NDDC Bayelsa State office in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Olukoyede described the NDDC as a “renewed and transformed government agency.” He assured that the EFCC would do everything to recover all outstanding statutory contributions due to the Commission from oil companies.
He noted: “We have made several recoveries on behalf of the NDDC, and we will not relent in this direction. We are encouraged by the fact that the NDDC is making the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region.”
Abubakar Momoh , Minister of Regional Development, commended the NDDC board and management for working in harmony to deliver on the mandate given to the Commission by President Tinubu.
He declared: “The NDDC is setting standards in good performance in the region. I advise the regional development agencies to emulate the Commission in delivering projects to the people.”
The Minister said, “I am pleased that the NDDC is doing very well, which is in line with President Tinubu’s directives. I thank the President and members of the National Assembly for enabling the NDDC to operate efficiently.”
In his remarks, Chiedu Ebie, chairman of the NDDC board, said that the inauguration of the training centre was a reflection of President Tinubu administration’s desire to transform the Niger Delta region.
He stated that the Commission was determined to partner with the governors of Niger Delta states to ensure that the oil-producing states enjoy sustainable development.
Also speaking, Ogbuku (MD/CEO) restated the commitment of the Commission to the mandate given to it y President Tinubu to change the narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.
Ogbuku affirmed that the Commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the task of developing the Niger Delta region.
He observed that the Multi-Purpose Training Centre, which was completed in record time, was a partnership between the EFCC and the NDDC, as the anti-crime agency had recovered the funds that facilitated the project’s execution.
Ogbuku observed that the facility, which could accommodate 1,000 persons, represented a significant step toward empowering local communities through skills development and inclusive growth.
He explained: “We have similar facilities currently under construction in Odi, Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozorro and another two in Rivers State.”
Ogbuku stated, “We are committed to implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government in the Niger Delta region. We remain dedicated to the mandate given to the NDDC by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to change the narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.”
Victor Antai, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, provided a brief overview of the project, explaining that it was awarded in 2023.
He noted that the facilities at the training centre consisted of essential amenities, including a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreation centre, which would provide comprehensive support for skills training and accommodation in emergencies.
In his goodwill message, Asuquo Ekpeyong, the chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said: “Members of the National Assembly remain committed to ensuring effective oversight of the NDDC’s operations. Our collective goal is to see the Commission fulfil its mandate and drive sustainable development across the Niger Delta region.”
