The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives has charged the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission to ensure even distribution of developmental projects among member states.
Benjamin Kalu gave the charge at an interactive session with the delegation from Ukwa People’s Consultative Council.
Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo and Rivers states constitute Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
The creation of the NDDC in the year 2000 was to bring development to the oil rich states
More than twenty three years on, the Commission faces a number of challenges including allegations of corruption, exclusion and numerous abandoned projects.
Ukwa is an oil producing community in Abia State but its people say they have nothing to show for it.
The Ukwa People’s Consultative Council of Abia State is on a mission to its kinsman who today is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The members are at the National Assembly to felicitate with Benjamin Kalu on his emergence as Deputy Speaker and to also table a number of demands.
They seek adherence to the provisions of the Act establishing the Commission in the interest of all
The host is home to the concern of his guests.
Benjamin Kalu recalled the many efforts of the National Assembly to address the troubles with the NDDC, particularly in the last Assembly.
He also noted the initiative of the last administration to conduct a forensic audit of the organisation and set it on a good footing.
He noted the developmental strides the Commission has recorded but underscores the need for NDDC to be balanced, fair and transparent in its operations with member states
