Incorrect – NDDC Denies Allegation Of Reckless Spending

BEVERLY HILLS, March 02, (THEWILL) – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has denied accusations of corruption and reckless spending of funds levelled against it by the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Itse Sagay, who had accused the management of the Commission of being reckless with funds meant for the development of the oil rich region.

Sagay, who spoke at the opening of a two-day national dialogue on corruption in Abuja organised by PACAC in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President, said the Commission recently bought 70 exotic cars, including eight Super Lexus Jeeps at N78 million each, and 10 Land cruiser jeeps each costing N63 million.

He alleged that the vehicles were acquired with funds meant for the provision of water, housing, hospital, schools and infrastructure development in the Niger Delta region.

But, spokesperson of the NDDC, Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, denied the allegations, saying no such purchases were made since the current Governing Board assumed office on November 4, 2016.

He revealed that the NDDC, which was only now in the process of acquiring operational vehicles, was adhering strictly to due process and had just received the due process compliance certificate from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and was preparing the mandatory memo for the approval of the Executive Council of the Federation.

“Indeed, it is a known fact that the Chairman, the distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), the Managing Director/CEO, Nsima Ekere, and the two Executive Directors are still using their private vehicles three months after assumption of duties,” Amu-Nnadi said in a statement.

“We wish to restate that the current Board and Management of the NDDC is committed to making its transactions transparent, by adhering strictly to processes and procedures of government, as espoused in the Board’s four-Rs initiative of restoring the Commission’s core mandate, restructuring the balance sheet, reforming our processes and reaffirming a commitment to doing what is right and proper at all times in facilitating the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.

“NDDC is always ready to open its books for audit. We are also committed to responding to all inquiries from well-meaning individuals and groups seeking clarification on rumours and possible false information.

“While asking for support from all stakeholders to enable the Commission succeed in the ambitious task of reforms, the new NDDC is evolving as a responsible public institution and members of the public should feel free to get authentic information on its activities to avoid sensationalism.”