The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has strongly dismissed allegations suggesting that relief materials meant for vulnerable groups in Cross River State were not fairly distributed. The Commission insists that the palliatives were equitably shared across the nine mandate states, including Cross River, and warns against attempts to discredit its efforts.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, refuted reports making rounds in the media, describing them as false and misleading. “Nothing can be farther from the truth as Niger Deltans in the nine mandate states of the NDDC, including Cross River State, received the palliatives with joy and gratitude,” Thompson-Wakama asserted.
The controversy erupted following claims that some communities in Cross River State were sidelined during the distribution of relief materials. However, the NDDC insists that these allegations are unfounded and aimed at undermining the progress made under the leadership of its Board and Management.
NDDC Clarifies Distribution Process
The NDDC categorically stated that the relief support provided to Niger Deltans did not involve cash transfers, contrary to some media reports. “NDDC distributed palliatives, not money, as alleged in the story circulating in the media, and the list of beneficiaries was duly approved by the NDDC Board,” the statement clarified.
The Commission reiterated that its primary focus remains on making a meaningful impact in the region, and it has no intention of engaging in favoritism or neglecting any state within its jurisdiction. “The Board and Management of the NDDC is now more than ever determined to uphold its mantra, which is: ‘Making a Difference,’ in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta region,” the Commission stated.
Allegations of Bias Dismissed
Thompson-Wakama urged the public to disregard what he called the “false stories spread by mischief-makers” attempting to derail the Commission’s reforms and developmental initiatives. He assured that the leadership of the Commission, under Chairman Chiedu Ebie and Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, remains committed to equitable governance and fairness in all its projects.
According to the statement, the NDDC is fully aware of the growing demand for transparency and accountability, especially given the history of mismanagement and corruption accusations that have trailed the agency in the past. “We are fully aware of the increasing need to be seen as more accountable to the public and to conduct our affairs more transparently,” the statement read.
Corporate Governance Overhaul
To further reinforce its credibility, the NDDC disclosed that it had engaged KPMG, a globally recognized business consultancy firm, to conduct a comprehensive review of its governance structure. The goal is to strengthen internal processes and ensure institutional protocols align with international best practices. “They have helped us establish a new institutional culture anchored on sound ethics and good corporate governance,” the statement emphasized.
The move to involve an independent consultancy firm is seen as a response to long-standing criticisms of financial mismanagement within the agency. Over the years, the NDDC has faced scrutiny over allegations of corruption, abandoned projects, and misallocation of funds. The involvement of KPMG is, therefore, an attempt to reposition the agency and build public trust.
Commitment to Development in the Niger Delta
In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the NDDC reaffirmed its dedication to fostering sustainable development in the Niger Delta. “We are committed to working with all our stakeholders to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.
The Commission noted that its partnerships extend beyond the federal government to state governments and international development agencies. The overarching objective is to ensure that the Niger Delta becomes “socially stable, economically prosperous, ecologically regenerative, and politically peaceful.”
The NDDC assured the public that despite distractions, it remains focused on implementing meaningful projects that will positively impact the lives of the people in the region. “We will not be distracted in our resolve to do things differently and make a difference in the Niger Delta region,” the Commission vowed.
A Region Scarred by Underdevelopment
The Niger Delta, despite being Nigeria’s oil-producing hub, has long suffered from inadequate infrastructure, high unemployment rates, and environmental degradation caused by oil exploration. The NDDC was established to address these challenges, but over the years, its effectiveness has been questioned due to corruption allegations and mismanagement of resources.
Past investigations have revealed cases where funds allocated for regional development were diverted, leading to widespread public distrust in the agency. This latest controversy over palliatives distribution, although denied by the NDDC, highlights the continued scrutiny the Commission faces.
Observers argue that the NDDC must go beyond dismissing allegations and instead provide verifiable data on how the relief materials were shared. Civil society organizations have called for an independent audit of the distribution process to ensure fairness and transparency.
Public Reaction and the Need for Accountability
Following the NDDC’s rebuttal, reactions from various quarters have been mixed. While some Niger Delta residents appreciate the agency’s efforts in providing relief, others remain skeptical, given past experiences of mismanagement.
A community leader in Cross River State, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed doubts over the fairness of the distribution. “We have seen cases where political connections determine who gets what. While the NDDC may claim fairness, we need independent bodies to confirm this,” he said.
Conversely, an NDDC beneficiary in Rivers State, Mrs. Ebiere Owei, defended the Commission. “We received food and essential supplies, and I know other communities that benefited as well. People need to stop spreading rumors,” she stated.
The controversy underscores the broader challenge of governance in the Niger Delta. For the NDDC to gain public confidence, it must not only ensure equitable distribution of relief but also maintain transparency in all its dealings.
The Road Ahead
As the dust settles on the palliative distribution controversy, the NDDC must prove that its commitment to good governance is not mere rhetoric. The engagement of KPMG in its corporate restructuring is a step in the right direction, but stakeholders insist that only concrete actions will convince the public.
