In an effort to speed up project completion in the area, the Niger Delta Indigenous Contractors Association (NDICA) has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
In addition, the contractors threatened to take regional International Oil Companies (IOCs) to court for neglecting to pay their three percent commission dues for over five years.
They bemoaned the state of affairs, claiming that the IOCs’ attitude had slowed down the execution of initiatives meant to support the development of the Niger Delta.
The contractors added that President Tinubu must act quickly to exempt the NDDC from the TSA in a statement released over the weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Darlington praised Tinubu for selecting technocrats and morally upright individuals to the commission’s board.
The contractors said: “It is through their leadership that Niger Delta has seen positive developments and progress within the region.
“While we reflect on the outcomes of the summit, it is evident that there is still much work to be done to address the challenges facing the Niger Delta region.
“In this regard, we call on Mr. President to consider exempting the NDDC from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system. Such an exemption would enable the NDDC to operate more efficiently and effectively, thereby enhancing its performance and impact on the region”.
Darlington pleaded with the NDDC to give priority to paying contractors, selecting hallmark projects that are extremely important to the area, and organizing contractors to complete crucial projects on time.
He maintained that the prosperity and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region depended on these kinds of priorities.
He conveyed his appreciation to all of the important participants who attended the recently concluded NDDC Summit, particularly the governors of the Niger Delta states, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and Senate President Godswll Akpabio.
Kelvin Gigi, a well-known NDICA member, pushed the IOCs and the Ecological Funds to send the money owed to the NDDC as soon as possible.
According to him, the money was necessary for the NDDC to fulfill its mandate and carry out important initiatives that would help the local population in the Niger Delta.
“As a concerned association, we will not hesitate to institute a legal action against the IOCs if at the end of August this year they refuse to remit their dues to the Commission.
“It is very clear that contractors are being owed by the commission because of the inability of the oil majors to pay their dues to the commission,” he stated.
