Guardian

WORRIED by the alleged non-performance of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) at the weekend urged the Federal Government to set up a special task force to monitor the activities of the commission.

The union, in a statement,  signed by its President, Igwe Achese, and made available to The Guardian, expressed concern over the alleged abandonment of projects by contractors engaged by the interventionist agency.

NUPENG accused the establishment of  not living up to expectation in relation to the development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

Specifically, the union observed that despite the huge resources allotted to the commission for the development of the region, it was sadden to note that the region was yet to enjoy significant development to tally with the funds released.

“The union observes the complaints of various communities in the Niger Delta of complete neglect and abandonment of projects by the NDDC.  It is sad to state that despite the huge funds allotted the NDDC from oil revenue to develop Niger Delta, there is nothing really on ground to show for its existence.

“We have had many cases of NDDC contractors collecting mobilisation fees and abandoning the projects.  The objective of setting the NDDC has not really been met, as the roads in the Niger Delta are still in deplorable state.  The NDDC is just another avenue for its officials and government cronies to enrich themselves.  The NDDC has failed to transform lives in the Niger Delta.

“The union notes that it is only its signboards that are seen, with no noticeable progress in the contracts awarded.  A case in point is the reclamation project in Gbaramatu area where the contractor was reported to have removed its equipment even when the project has not been completed.

“The union calls on the federal government to review the mandate of the NDDC to make its impact felt by the people whose soil has been destroyed by the activities of oil multi-nationals.  It is a pity that the NDDC has not lived up to expectations despite the huge billions of naira voted for its activities every year.

“The Federal Government must, therefore, set up a special task force to monitor all its activities, projects and make sure that they are commissioned on time.  The NDDC should not be another waste pipe with abandoned projects all over the Niger Delta and it will be a failure on the Federal Government if the trend is allowed to continue unabated.”