NDDC, EFCC in strategic alliance to boost infrastructure in oil region

The mandate of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is to facilitate the rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, while that of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is to investigate financial crimes and put corrupt practices in check.

Given their different roles, the idea of an alliance between the two organisations may seem far-fetched. However, with Samuel Ogbuku (NDDC Managing Director) and Olanikpekun Olukoyede (EFCC Executive Chairman) many say it is not just an idea but a reality.

According to NDDC insiders, the unique collaboration between the NDDC and the EFCC has given rise to the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Training Centre, unveiled recently in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

According to the NDDC CEO, the vast training complex was executed with funds recovered on behalf of the Commission by the EFCC.

Ogbuku explained that the Bayelsa training centre was funded through the money recovered by the EFCC and executed under a signed performance bond, ensuring transparency and impact.

He noted that the facility represented one of several such centres being constructed in Delta and Rivers states. He said: “We have similar facilities currently under construction in Odi, Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozorro and another two in Rivers State.”

He observed that the Multi-Purpose Training Centre, which was completed in record time, was a partnership between the EFCC and the NDDC, as the anti-crime agency had recovered the funds that facilitated the project’s execution.

Ogbuku observed that the facility, which could accommodate 1,000 persons, represented a significant step toward empowering local communities through skills development and inclusive growth.

The training centre’s components, which include a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreational centre, are all designed to support training, healthcare, and emergency accommodation within a single integrated complex.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the EFCC chairman assured the NDDC of the release of more recovered funds in the coming weeks.

Olukoyede described the NDDC as a “renewed and transformed government agency.” He assured that the EFCC would do everything to recover all outstanding statutory contributions due to the NDDC from oil companies.

Olukoyede commended the NDDC for its institutional and policy reforms, declaring that the people of the Niger Delta will have every reason to celebrate the current leadership of the Commission. He described the NDDC as a beacon of good governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said further: “Under this President, NDDC is working; good governance is being delivered. It is my delight to be part of this transformational agenda. The Renewed Hope Agenda is no longer a slogan—it is a reality. For the first time, people are identifying with what NDDC is doing.”

Read also: EFCC now satisfied, ready to release more NDDC recovered funds

The chairman of the anti-crime agency confessed that his perspective on the NDDC was turned around in 2024 when the NDDC management, led by Ogbuku, paid him a courtesy visit at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja.

Olukoyede stated that he was impressed by the Commission’s “Rewind to Rebirth” initiative.

He declared: “The five minutes of interaction with the MD left me with a different perception of NDDC. Maybe, we will begin to see an NDDC that is a symbol of pride, accountability, transparency and able to deliver on its mandate.

“From his presentation, you can see that he is ready to bring a change, and that is the exact thing that we stand for in EFCC.”

He assured that the EFCC would continue to assist the NDDC to achieve its mandate. “The collaboration is something we need to take to the next level.”

In his remarks, Abubakar Momoh, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, praised the NDDC board and management for their unity of purpose and commitment to service delivery, stating that the level of harmony and stability within the Commission is unprecedented.

He declared: “What we are witnessing here today has never happened in the history of the NDDC. Since I assumed office as Minister, I have not been called upon to settle any crisis within the Commission. This is a testament to the teamwork between the Board and Management.”

Also speaking, Chiedu Ebie, the Chairman of the NDDC board, stated: “We are moving from transaction to transformation. We are doing our best to improve not just the reputation of the NDDC, but everything that concerns the Commission. Today is about promoting and celebrating human capacity.”

Without a doubt, the Niger Delta region is confronted with ecological and environmental challenges that should, perforce, attract significant funds from the Federal Government and the oil companies operating in the region.

Sadly, this has not been so, thus limiting the capacity of the NDDC to fulfill its mandate of driving the development process and transforming the Niger Delta region into one that is “economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.”

It is rather unfortunate that, despite the spirited efforts by successive boards and managements of the NDDC to meet the expectations of the people, their efforts have not been matched with commensurate funding.

The issue of inadequate funding is resurfacing again. Indeed, it is an inconvenient truth that will remain on the front burner until it is fully addressed.

That explains why the NDDC MD highlighted the issue during interactive sessions that the Commission’s board and management held with the relevant committees of the National Assembly in Abuja last year.

Ogbuku told the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, chaired by Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, that the Commission is owed over N2 trillion, arising from withheld funds and underpayments by both the government and the oil companies. He blamed this on non-compliance with the Act establishing the Commission.

Given the enormous impact of their activities on the environment, the oil companies are expected to be at the forefront in this task.

Now, both the Senate and the House of Representatives promised to assist the NDDC in recovering its outstanding funds. In their various interactions with the NDDC leadership, the lawmakers expressed concern about the disregard for existing laws governing the Commission’s funding.

Ekpenyong said that in discharging its oversight functions, his committee will ensure that every contributor to NDDC pays what they owe the Commission. This sounds heartening.

The lawmakers understand that the Commission has a responsibility to adequately fuel the vehicle chosen to drive the development process in the Niger Delta region.

In 2023, the House of Representatives unveiled plans to investigate the activities of International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the Niger Delta region, as well as the recovery of over $4 billion (over N6trn) allegedly owed to the NDDC.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, who frowned at the flagrant breach of the NDDC Act, 2000, which was established in response to heightened agitations and violent yearnings for special intervention in the oil-producing states.

He said: “The House is aware that the indebtedness of the IOCs to the NDDC had culminated in the drive by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence the debt recovery process.