WARRI/Nigeria: The newly appointed board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has been asked to be transparent in their dealings, as a set of comprehensive recommendations has emerged, promising to reshape the Commission’s path towards unbiased and efficient service delivery.
Handpicked by President Bola Tinubu, the board now finds itself at a crossroads, as it grapples with seven key points of advice presented by the South South Reawakening Group (SSRG), an advocacy organization within the region.
Underlining the critical nature of preserving the NDDC’s functional integrity, Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener of SSRG, articulated the need to shield the Commission from political interference. This assertion sets the tone for SSRG’s array of proposals, designed to bolster the NDDC’s performance while safeguarding its autonomy.
A paramount recommendation put forth by SSRG involves the strategic relocation of the NDDC’s headquarters to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. This move, the group argues, would erect a barrier against impediments and external influences that might jeopardize the Commission’s effectiveness.
Commending President Tinubu’s reappointment of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, SSRG simultaneously advocated for a decisive break between the NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta Development. This appeal stems from concerns about the Ministry’s perceived disruptive meddling, which has been flagged as detrimental to the NDDC’s core mission.
Transparency and accountability emerged as central themes in SSRG’s recommendations. The group insisted on affording the NDDC’s new board a full tenure, affording ample time for evaluation and ensuring the board’s continued responsiveness to its constituents.
Not stopping at critique alone, SSRG ambitiously laid out an array of proposals with the aim of maximizing the NDDC’s impact on oil-producing regions. These proposed changes span multiple critical areas:
Increased Federal Government Contribution: SSRG called on President Tinubu to initiate an executive bill that would modify pertinent sections of the NDDC establishment Act. The aim is to elevate the Federal government’s contribution from a modest fifteen percent to a more substantial 25 percent.
Amplified Industry Participation: Addressing financial backing, the group suggested an elevation in the contribution from oil and gas companies. A proposed increase from 3 percent to 10 percent would divert more resources toward the NDDC’s endeavors.
Reinforced Ecological Fund Allocation: SSRG stressed the significance of boosting the ecological fund allocation for the NDDC, advocating for an increase from 50 percent to 70 percent of the released funds to states. This maneuver intends to enhance the Commission’s ability to tackle pressing environmental challenges in the region.
Gas Flare Charge Allocation: The recommendations also encompassed a proposition for a substantial share of the gas flare charge to be designated for the NDDC, thereby shoring up its financial foundation.
Equitable Inclusion in Revenue Windfalls: SSRG staunchly championed the inclusion of the NDDC in the distribution of both recent and forthcoming windfall revenues shared among diverse federal entities. This move seeks to ensure a fairer distribution of resources.
Overhaul of Niger Delta Development Ministry: Highlighting concerns of overlap and inefficiency, SSRG robustly endorsed the dissolution of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development. The group asserted that this step is vital to eradicate redundant functions and optimize the Commission’s operations.
