The Advisory Council of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has called for a review of the NDDC Act to remove the bureaucratic bottlenecks hindering the Commission from realizing its goals.
In a communique issued at the end of its meeting in Asaba, Tuesday night, the Council made up of Governors of the oil producing states, particularly expressed deep concern over the difficulty in implementing the Commission’s budget.
In the communiqué read to journalists by the chairman and Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Council called for flexibility in the process of contract awards after passage of its budget by the National Assembly.
“Council therefore called for a review of the NDDC Act to reduce the long process of implementation, which retards the execution of projects”, the communiqué stated.
The Advisory Council Sympathized with communities devastated by flood across the country, stressing that the NDDC State Governments will continue to respond to the needs of those affected.
It also noted that the NDDC has promised to make contributions towards alleviating the plight of those affected as well as commended the Federal Government for its actions so far.
Other highlights of the Council’s communiqué include:
(1) That NNDC should as a matter of priority always consult with State Governors in the sub-region on projects to be executed in the States to eliminate the challenge of duplication and ownership.
(2)That the commission should lay emphasis on regional projects that would integrate the states in the region, especially roads, railways and power.
(3)That the commission should partner with state governments on project conception and execution.
The Governors who attended the meeting include Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers, Godswill Akpabio of Akaw Ibom, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo, Theodore Orji of Abia, and Senator Liyel Imoke of Cross Rivers.
Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Admiral John Jonah represented his Governor, Seriake Dickson while Senator Aniete Okon attended in his capacity as a member of the Council. The NDDC chairman, Dr. Tarilah Tebepah and the managing director, Dr. Christian Oboh were also in attendance.
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