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NDDC’s New Debt Recovery Exercise
The recent initiative of the Nige Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to engage debt collectors for the purpose of recovering debts owed it and which is reported to be as high as N1.2 trillion,is a development of interest, with a promise to change the narrative of the commission. That is if such is executed effectively without any tinge of politicisation of the process from sundry external influences, as well as the ever present possibility of sabotage from in-house, insidious power-play schemes across its rank and file. Recently, the commission appointed a debt collector – Paris Trust Limited (PTL) to tackle its debtors who are in the main oil and gas companies, operating in the Niger Delta region. The debt collector has reportedly swung into action by sending demand notices to the defaulting companies conveying a seven-day ultimatum on the latter, to address their respective cases of indebtedness.
This is a positive development by the commission pursuant to repositioning itself for more predictable business activities in respect of its statutory obligation of driving development in the Niger Delta. Created in 2000 as an interventionist agency by the Federal Government under President Olusegun Obasanjo, the NDDC had its operational mandate clearly identifying the oil and gas companies operating in the Niger Delta region as statutory contributors to its war chest. In the 2000 Act establishing the commission, the designated oil and gas companies were assigned the responsibility of contributing just 3% of their annual operating budgets to the purse of the commission. Other sources of funding for the NDDC include 15% of the monthly statutory allocation to member states from the Federation Account and 50% of the Ecological Fund. The foregoing funding sources are to be augmented with other options such as business profits, loan and gifts, to name a few.
The initiative of recovering debts from defaulting oil and gas companies is therefore a legitimate exercise that is backed by law and contemporary best fit business practice. The denial of the commission of its due revenue by the offending debtors translates into its compromised capacity to deliver on its commitments to the host states. This, however, is not to state that the failure of the debtors to oblige it has been the only problem of the commission with respect to delivering on its mandate to member states. Beyond the indebtedness of the oil and gas companies lies the bigger debt by the Federal Government itself, which the commission has demonstrated incapacity or otherwise to recover. Meanwhile, efforts to exploit other sources of funding which are market based, like returns on investible funds are yet to feature on the commission’s portfolio.
In this state of financial miasma plays out the proclivities of some potentates since 2015, to make Rivers State the ‘whipping boy’ of the commission’s operational incontinences. While the commission had since its inception battled with issues around both the operation of the funding set up as well as the process of accounting for whatever funds that accessed its coffers, the period from 2015 to date has been a season of concern with respect to its relationship with the state. The coincidence of the low points of this period with the control of the Federal Government by the APC and associated animosity towards the PDP government in the state was not difficult for any observer to associate with the victimisation of the state.
The plight of the Rivers State in this unsavoury situation has been highlighted in several instances. A typical case is the running matter of tax evasion by the NDDC in respect of which the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS) sealed off in April this year, the commission’s corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt over an outstanding tax sum of N50 billion through a court order. While the commission protested against the action, its case was weakened as it was acting on a compromised financial operational template that provided scant transparency even with respect to its founding NDDC Act 2000. While the Act under consideration provides that the commission produces an audited report of its operations not later than six months after the end of each year, such a report from the NDDC has remained largely in the terrain of the voodoo, as far as the public is concerned.
It is therefore for good measure that Governor Nyesom Wike conveyed the pain of the State from its unfair treatment by the commission, to its Managing Director, Professor Nelson Brambaifa during the latter’s visit to mend fences. Wike had raised the issue of the commission’s slips as including the failure to pay up on its counterpart funding obligations, in respect of the Mother and Child Hospital project in the state after the government had delivered on its end.
It is hoped that dividends from the current debt recovery exercise will benefit Rivers State in addressing some of the debts owed it by the NDDC.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.