The Nigerian Federal Government says it has commenced implementation of the report of a forensic audit carried out on the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
This was revealed by President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, during the kick-off of a two-day management retreat organised by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs at the Old Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.
The President also gave assurance that a substantive board would soon be appointed for the NDDC, urging people of the region to provide a peaceful atmosphere for the implementation process.
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Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo, said, “In pursuance of our determination to curb corruption and in response to the call of the governors of South-South for a forensic audit of the NDDC, I undertook some critical reforms and requested a forensic audit of the NDDC from inception to 2019.
“The report of the audit has been submitted and implementation of its recommendations has commenced in phases. This process will soon usher in a new management and board for the commission.”
“I urge all well-meaning Nigerians, especially the Niger Deltans, to exercise restraint and ensure a conducive and secured environment for implementation of the several developmental projects and programmes in the region.”
President Buhari also assured that the ongoing East-West Road project, which he described as one of the largest pieces of infrastructure in Nigeria, would be completed before the end of his administration.
He further directed the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited and its subsidiaries to execute Section 4 of the project (Eleme Roundabout to Onne junction) through the tax credit scheme.
“This should be expeditiously addressed considering the importance of the road to our national economy,” he added.
Continuing, President Buhari noted that Strategic Implementation Work Plan, a framework focusing on the objectives raised in the Federal Government’s 20-point Agenda and the Pan Niger Delta Forum’s 16-point Agenda, would be strengthened to provide the framework for coordination of development initiatives in the Niger Delta Region to achieve maximum impact, especially at this critical time.
The President also directed the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to carry out a comprehensive staff audit of the commission, ensuring that it achieves right staffing and proper placement.
