Monthly Payment Of N1bn To Consultants Suspended By NDDC

The Acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Gbene Nunieh has noted that the commission has suspended the monthly payment of N1 billion to a consultant that collects money from international oil companies (IOCs), on its behalf.

This, she disclosed while talking to reporters at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, today.

According to her, there was no need for middlemen to collect statutory funds for the commission

“We have a consulting firm engaged as a collection agent. We have another company that also collects three percent whenever money is paid by the International Oil Companies, IOCs,” she said.

She noted that the commission does not need any middleman to collect three percent for gas, adding that the money should be paid directly into NDDC accounts with the CBN

She noted that the N1billion being paid to agents could put mono pumps in rural communities in the Niger Delta, buy books and set up primary health centres.

”The three percent for a consulting firm is over. That is why we are under pressure. But I laugh because those who live in glass houses should never throw stones.” she said

Nunieh said she has vowed not to bow to the pressure of political interference despite that it is setting the commission back.

She added that her desk was overflowing with files waiting for payments, even from companies belonging to an individual.

“How can someone have 87 companies waiting for payment?” she asked.

“What is happening is very embarrassing. We must all get up and know that these people have taken our commonwealth.”

The acting MD said things were beginning to look up as many contractors have gone back to site since she mounted the saddle.

“No big contractors. Get the locals who are plumbers to get the mono-pumps to work. We are going to take development to the people and that is why you no longer see the young men hanging around our gates. We have asked them to go back to their communities and we will meet them there.”