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  • Minister Clarifies NDDC’s Status Amid Ministry Changes

    Minister Clarifies NDDC’s Status Amid Ministry Changes

    Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has confirmed that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) continues to operate, despite rumours suggesting its dissolution. 

    These rumors surfaced following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to create the Ministry of Regional Development, a move that involved the restructuring of several government departments.

    Recent changes led to the closure of the Ministry of Sports Development and the Ministry of Niger Delta. Abubakar Momoh, previously the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, now leads the new Ministry of Regional Development. 

    This expanded ministry is responsible for overseeing the NDDC, the North East Development Commission (NEDC), and the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

    The NDDC remains fully functional within the Ministry of Regional Development, which aims to coordinate the efforts of various regional development agencies.

     This reorganization is intended to provide a unified structure without altering the NDDC’s ongoing role in the Niger Delta. 

    Momoh assured the region’s residents that the changes are administrative and do not impact the NDDC’s core objectives.

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  • We’ll Be Eating While You Are Out There, Akpabio Mocks Protesters

    We’ll Be Eating While You Are Out There, Akpabio Mocks Protesters

    Reputed for series of unguarded utterances, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taunted those calling for demonstration over the economic hardship in the country.
    According to him, those interested in the protest can go ahead “but let us be there eating”.
    Akpabio spoke at an event organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Tuesday in Rivers state.
    His comment is coming on the heels of a planned nationwide protest by some Nigerians to demand economic and political reforms.
    Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, met with some of the organisers on Tuesday in Abuja, appealing to them for virtual protest but they insisted on going to the streets.
    However, during the NDDC event, Akpabio said he was not interested in any “regime change”.
    “All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we are aware it will be for a short while. MD, I want to thank you for what you said. You said we are not interested in regime change, let us own this government.
    “Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be there eating — I must thank the Niger Delta”, he added.
    He said “we acknowledge the fact that the impact of oil and gas activities in our region has done immeasurable damage to our people.”
    The national assembly, he assured, is ready to help with legislation to curb oil spillage and environmental pollution in the region.
    “The specific issues faced by the Niger Delta must be contained in that communique because we are going to make it available to Mr President,” he said.
    “The ones that need legislation will come to us, the ones that need intervention will go to NDDC, the ones that need more money will go to the president and commander-in-chief and I assure that those issues will be addressed”, he submitted.
    The National Assembly under Akpabio’s leadership has fixed an emergency session for the eve of the protest.

  • 2023 Budget: We’ve nothing to hide, NDDC tells NASS

    Following concerns by the lawmakers in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly over the budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Commission has told the Senate it has nothing to hide.

    The Senate, on Wednesday, May 10 at its session, constituted an ad hoc committee to probe the financial activities of the NDDC for 2021 and 2022 Budget estimates. 

    The Senate also stood down consideration of the 2023 Budget of the NDDC for further clarification on the figures contained in the budget.

    While appreciating the concerns raised by the Senate, the NDDC, in a statement by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Dr. Ibitoye Abosede, said that the Commission would continue to respect its oversight functions.

    The NDDC said that it was ready to cooperate with the investigative committee insisting that it was committed to transparency and accountability in its operations.

    “It is important that we clarify that the Senate has not accused the Board and Management of the NDDC of corruption or misappropriation of N1.4 trillion.

    “The Senate only thinks that the funds were expended without approval or appropriation by the National Assembly. This misunderstanding can be quickly resolved by providing the necessary documents and explanations.

    “The NDDC also wishes to explain that the delays in submitting its budgets and audited accounts to the National Assembly were due to factors beyond its control, such as bureaucratic bottlenecks and frequent leadership changes. 

    “The Commission has, however, taken steps to address these issues to ensure timely compliance with all statutory requirements.

    “We appeal to the general public to refrain from making hasty judgments based on the Senate’s decision. The NDDC assures all stakeholders of its dedication to the development of the Niger Delta region and the welfare of its people,” the Commission said.