- Inaugurates NDDC Advisory Committee
President Muhammadu Buhari says law enforcement agencies have informed him that over N3.7billion as well as assets worth various sums of money have been recovered from contractors and former directors of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The President disclosed this at the inauguration of NDDC Advisory Committee, comprising 9 Governors of the Niger Delta Region and the Ministers of Niger Delta Affairs and Environment.
Specifically, President Buhari said: ‘‘To date, the EFCC and other agencies of Government have recovered over N3.7billion in cash as well as various assets worth billions of Naira from some contractors and former Directors of the Commission.
“Furthermore, I am told that Government agencies have placed liens on over N6 billion of assets which are being investigated.’’
The President told the committee that these abuses of the past clearly show the need for strict and diligent oversight, going forward.
He, therefore, charged the newly inaugurated Advisory Committee to discharge the new assignment diligently and effectively, working closely with the relevant ministries, adding that he looked forward to seeing positive changes in the affairs of the Commission as well as on the ground in the Niger Delta region.
The President, however, expressed regret that in the past these institutions were unable to deliver their mandates due to mismanagement.
Justifying the decision to inaugurate the Committee ahead of the reconstitution of the NDDC Board, President Buhari said: ‘‘This is to enable us develop insights into the affairs of the Commission which will properly guide the Board when reconstituted once the Forensic Audit exercise on the Commission is concluded. You may recall that the Federal Executive Council, on the 5th of February, 2020 approved the appointment of the Lead Forensic Auditors. I am told they are concluding their pre-engagement activities and should be ready to commence work soon’’.
