President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to announce a new board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) without further delay following agitations from different quarters.
The president made this commitment while presenting a keynote address at the opening ceremony of a two-day top management retreat of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and Niger Delta Development Commission at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, said that the implementation of the forensic audit report which has commenced in phases would soon usher in new management and board for the NDDC.
He also warned against violating procurement laws when carrying out projects, adding that anyone found culpable would face prosecution, adding that “Henceforth, fraudulent practices and violation of the procurement laws will be meted with appropriate sanctions as stipulated in the public procurement act.”
The president also said the ongoing east-west road project is one of the largest infrastructural projects in the country, adding that it is strategic in connecting Nigeria’s busiest cities.
According to him, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiaries have been directed to fix section four of the road.
Earlier in his remarks, the Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana, said the ministry will prioritize projects prosecution and payments by focusing on impactful projects that will address the basic needs of the people of the region.
Umana said the retreat showed the federal government’s commitment to addressing the under-development in the Niger Delta.
