INSTANT NEWS

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has advised Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) staff to stay informed about anti-graft laws to avoid legal violations. Mrs. Ekere Usiere, ICPC Zonal Commissioner for Rivers and Bayelsa states, emphasized the importance of understanding relevant statutes during a Sensitization Exercise organized by NDDC in Port Harcourt. The exercise, sponsored by NDDC's Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, focused on "Understanding the Offences and Penalties Under the ICPC Act 2000." Usiere commended NDDC for its role in addressing socio-economic challenges in the Niger Delta and stressed the need for periodic sensitization to combat corruption.

NDDC's Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, highlighted the commitment to addressing corrupt practices and promoting transparency in public service. The sensitization exercise is part of NDDC's efforts to enhance service delivery. Ogbuku, represented by Mr. Patrick Obayelu, Director II, Administration and Human Resources, urged staff to uphold honesty and transparency. In a keynote presentation, Dr. Agada Akogwu, Head of Legal Department at ICPC in Rivers State, recommended strengthening NDDC's Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit. He emphasized the unit's role as the conscience of the commission, proposing continuous study of corruption-prone processes and the development of a code of ethics for staff.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sam Ogbuku, revealed that the Federal Government owes the commission a substantial sum exceeding N2 trillion. Ogbuku disclosed this during his appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, led by Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake. He clarified that this amount represents the cumulative 15% of the allocation owed to the commission from the nine states constituting the Niger Delta region since the year 2000. Despite the approval of the agency's annual budgets in 2021, 2022, and 2023, the funds have yet to be remitted to the commission.

Addressing the committee, Ogbuku emphasized the discrepancy between the allocated 15% and the actual funds received by the NDDC. He highlighted the challenges faced by the commission, even after the removal of fuel subsidies and the increase in state allocations. Ogbuku estimated that, from 2000 to the present day, the commission is owed over N2 trillion based on what should be rightfully due to the NDDC. Furthermore, he expressed concern about the delay in handing over the approved budgets for 2021, 2022, and 2023, urging the committee to expedite the process.

Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the commission's board, conveyed the commitment to collaborate in repositioning the commission for the benefit of oil-producing states and Nigeria as a whole. Committee Chairman Erhiatake assured that the issues raised by the NDDC would be promptly addressed, emphasizing the importance of synergy in implementing policies for the overall well-being of Nigerians, particularly those in the Niger Delta region. He pledged the committee's cooperation with the board and promised to investigate the delay in transmitting the budget to the commission.