Indigenous contractors working with the Niger Delta Development Commission have praised the two chambers of the National Assembly for their swift passage of the 2024 NDDC budget.
The Niger Delta Indigenous Contractors Association commended the prompt approval of the Commission’s N1.9 trillion budget proposal, viewing it as a positive development. They believe that once President Bola Tinubu signs the bill into law, it will support the efforts of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku’s leadership to accelerate meaningful progress in the region.
In a statement issued by NDICA’s Chairman, Dr. Chukwuemeka Amirieze, and Secretary-General, Prince Sodin Akiagba, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, it was highlighted that such rapid budget approval is unprecedented in the history of the NDDC. The statement emphasized that the released funds would facilitate the payment of outstanding debts owed to Indigenous Contractors by the previous board, debts which the current Ogbuku-led management has been gradually addressing.
The association applauded the current NDDC management and Board for their dedication to clearing these lingering debts, expressing their continued support for the administration’s efforts to fulfill its statutory mandates. NDICA expressed confidence in Dr. Ogbuku’s management and the Commission’s Board, led by Mr. Chiedu Ebie, urging the timely release and remittance of their three percent allocation by the International Oil Companies operating in the region, which serves as counterpart funding for the development of the oil-producing areas.
The statement read: “We can see energy, we can see capacity and commitment in meeting the expectations of the people. We have absolute trust that they will be able to execute the projects bearing in mind they are dealing with several States and communities. The state offices and relevant departments of the Commission have shown capacity to deliver, especially as each unit head is mandated to work in the field three days a week. As a result of transparency adoption and strict work ethics, the achievements of the Ogbuku-led administration have become very remarkable and significant.”
