… After 25 Years Construction
President Muhammad Buhari has reemphasized the essence of the ongoing forensic audit at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), describing the exercise as an act of necessity to ensure financial discipline.
Buhari who spoke while commissioning the 13-storey headquarters of NDDC in Port Harcourt on Thursday, further noted that the forensic audit was necessary to review the operations of the commission and ensure that appropriations made through the NDDC is commensurate with what is on the ground.
The President used the occasion to commend Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for providing what he saw as ‘required leadership’ which enabled the completion of the edifice.
Buhari who perform his roles virtually, with Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and a host of dignitaries including state and federal lawmakers in attendance, said the commissioned project is a testimonial to his administration’s effort to better the lives of Niger Delta people.
The President regretted that the multi million Naira project which foundation laying took place in 1996, was abandoned by his predecessors after undergoing series of designs, but noted that he took up the gauntlet to ensure it’s completion.
The President assured that haven now been done with providing a befitting headquarters building for the commission, resources would be channeled into other areas of need in the region.
The President stated, “The building we are about to open today started in the year 1996 during the era of the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission.
Since then, the project went through series of designs and amendments but was eventually abandoned.
“In 2015, as part of our administration’s cardinal objectives to embark on a holistic reform of NDDC for greater service delivery for the people, I re-assigned the supervision of the NDDC to the minister of Niger Delta Affairs for administrative efficiency.
“I note the cordial relationship between the NDDC and the National Assembly.
I hope that this relationship will be strengthened for the benefit of the Niger Delta region. It is my honour and privilege to commission this edifice.”
Buhari then invited the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to cut the tape and unveil the plaque of the 13-storey edifice.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who said he was speaking on behalf of the Niger Delta governors, thanked the President for the completion of the building, promising that the nine governors under the NDDC would continue to support his bold steps in development.
In his remarks, Akpabio said the completion of the NDDC building signals the President’s commitment to the development of the oil and gas rich region, and the ending of activities of corrupt public officials, who also negated the connection of the offices to national grid over many years in order to seek rent on fueling of generators.
