The Senate committee for Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) commits to enforce International Oil Companies (IOCs) fulfill their financial obligations to the Commission.
Senator Ned Nwoko, a member of the Senate Committee on NDDC representing PDP-Delta North, revealed this commitment during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.
Nwoko pointed out that the commission was being owed substantial amounts, amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars by the IOCs. He stated that the committee would summon and scrutinize these companies to ensure they fulfill their obligations.
He further noted that some of these IOCs are generating profits within Nigeria but neglecting their responsibility to contribute to the commission.
“We must also insist that they do that. They must do that. You know, they are owing hundreds of billions of dollars to NDDC coffers. So we will invite them, we will investigate them and we will make sure they do what is right.”
“We don’t want to interfere with their works, but they have an obligation under the laws of Nigeria, they have obligation to host communities. They must deal with that.”
“I don’t think any member of the committee on NDDC will be compromised because we will not accept it.”
He also emphasized that the tenth assembly and the committee were determined to guarantee the successful implementation of projects by the NDDC.
“The work of the NDDC is well explained in the act establishing it; yes, this is the tenth assembly and we are different from the previous assemblies.”
“And I know that it will not be business as usual, we have made it clear to members of the committee that they cannot turn to substantive contractors like we had in the previous assembly.”
“If they must oversight properly and without fear of reproach, they must do things properly.”
“The fact that there is enough budget or work to be done will make a difference in the lives of the people and that is important,” he said.
The legislator further stated that if it becomes necessary to increase the commission’s financial resources through budgetary allocation, they would take appropriate action.
He also conveyed contentment with the appointment of the current leadership of the NDDC assembled by President Bola Tinubu, expressing his confidence in their capabilities.
“They understand that this is a new era, and things will not be done like in the past where contractors are paid monies and they run away with it,” he said.
Nwoko emphasized the importance of all contractors fulfilling their commitments, emphasizing that there would be no room for excuses.
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