MD: FG owing NDDC over N2trn since 2000 | Three years’ approved budgets yet to be released

Samuel Ogbuku, managing director (MD) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), says the agency is yet to receive the 2021-2023 approved budgets.

Speaking on Tuesday when he appeared before the house of representatives committee on NDDC, Ogbuku said the commission is also owed over N2 trillion from the monthly allocation of the federal government since 2000.

He said the N2 trillion is an accumulation of 15 percent of the allocation of the nine states that make up the region

“I want to raise an important issue. When we talk about funding. The NDDC Act says the monthly allocation from the federal government is 15 percent of the allocation of nine states of the Niger Delta,” he said.

“But I can assure you that since the inception of the NDDC, it has not gotten that. The federal government only budgets what it wants to give to NDDC.

“If you look at the 15 percent, we are not getting the 15 percent. Even with the removal of fuel subsidies and with the increment of state allocation, NDDC is still where it is.

“So, these are issues we want you (lawmakers) to help us resolve and we have done our calculation. From 2000 to date we can say we are being owed over N2 trillion from what is supposed to be due NDDC.”

“We also came in at a point where NDDC never had a budget for 2021, 2022 and 2023. These budgets were before the national assembly and we had to fast-track the passage of those budgets and those budgets were eventually passed in April this year.

“However, since the budget was passed, it has not been handed over to us up till now. We would pray and plead with you to ensure that as fast as possible.

“You (should) also facilitate the process for us to have the budget because the budget year is already coming to an end.”

Also, speaking, Chiedu Ebie, chairperson of the NDDC board, said the commission would maintain a good relationship with the committee and the parliament.

Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, chairperson of the committee, said the panel would address the issues raised by the interventionist agency.

“I assure you that this committee is willing and ready to partner with you to make sure that the dividends of democracy are brought to the region and the narratives that had been set by the previous board are changed for the better,” she said.

“On the issue of the budget, we would look into it and find out why it hasn’t been transmitted to the commission. For the time frame, I cannot really say, but now you have brought it to our attention, we will look into it.

“It is very important we create a platform for synergy in the implementation of these policies and programmes for the general benefit of Nigerians and especially the people of the Niger Delta.”

Ibori-Suenu asked the NDDC board to work with the committee and ensure every information the lawmakers need is availed to them.