The Niger Delta Development Monitoring Group, NIDDEMOG, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for recovering 83.59 billion naira and 98.07 million dollars in outstanding levies owed the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, by oil companies.
The three per cent levy is a statutory contribution expected from oil firms operating in the Niger Delta.
Reacting to the recovery in a statement, NIDDEMOG Executive Director, Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, described the development as a major step towards ensuring that oil-producing communities receive the resources meant for their development.
He said it was unacceptable for companies operating in the region to withhold funds that should be used to address the challenges facing the Niger Delta.
James-Eriworio noted that oil-producing communities continue to suffer the effects of oil exploration, including environmental pollution, damage to farmlands and waterways, and the loss of traditional sources of livelihood.
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He also commended the NDDC management, led by its Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, for pursuing the recovery of outstanding statutory funds.
The NIDDEMOG chief further praised the National Assembly for using its oversight powers to support the recovery process through the EFCC.
He, however, urged the NDDC to ensure that the recovered funds were used transparently for projects that would have a direct impact on residents of the region.
He called for greater investment in tackling erosion, shoreline degradation, ocean encroachment and other environmental problems, while also strengthening infrastructure and human capital development.
James-Eriworio, a former Vice President of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, also appealed to Niger Delta communities to protect NDDC projects in their areas.
He condemned the vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, saying, “It is despicable to see public infrastructure being vandalised and stolen with reckless abandon in communities across the Niger Delta.”
He urged the NDDC to take appropriate action against communities where public projects and facilities were deliberately destroyed or stripped of essential components.
