NDDC contracts KPMG to set up corporate structure, end endemic corruption

The Niger Delta Commission (NDDC), has declared its determination to end the endemic corruption in the commission even as it is set to adopt a corporate governance system in the running of its affairs.

And to ensure that a suitable and right structure was adopted, the management of the commission has contracted the services of human resources, audit and consultancy firm, KPMG to draw its corporate governance structure.

Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, who made the declaration during an interactive session with the media at the headquarters of the commission stated that the commission under him would not be a cash cow to politicians as has been alleged in certain quarters.

Recall that the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has repeatedly accused the interventionist agency of being a cash cow to politicians while shirking its main responsibility of championing the development of the Niger Delta region.

But responding to the comments of Wike, Dr. Ogbuku said recent comments on the Commission’s activities by Wike, served as a push for positive change in driving the development process in the Niger Delta region.

He said that the way forward for the Commission, was the establishment of an effective and sustainable Corporate Governance system as well as Key Performance Indicators, KPI’s in the Commission describing them as the game changer for the Commission.

He stressed that having an effective Corporate Governance system in place was key to the future successes and sustainability of the NDDC.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer affirmed that the Commission was laying a solid foundation for impactful development of the Niger Delta region; strengthening Public-Private Partnerships and ensuring that its projects and programmes were aligned with the needs and aspirations of the people of the region.

He said: “In the past six months, NDDC has been engaged in building a sustainable foundation to ensure that we run on a smooth and right track. We are working to put in place a Corporate Governance System that will enable the Commission to run in accordance with global best practices.

The NDDC boss declared: “Once there is a Corporate Governance system, you cannot beat it. That means you must be subjected to the processes and procedures. That is the game changer for us. We want to regulate ourselves internally that is why we must establish a Corporate Governance system.

“Whenever we go out seeking partnerships, one thing these prospective partners and donor agencies look for is our internal control system. We are willing to be internally regulated. So, we need to establish a Corporate Governance system and we are talking with KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, to help us establish a sustainable Corporate Governance system”.

Speaking further, he revealed that the Commission’s leadership was looking at legacy projects to quickly complete and commission. “One of these projects is the construction of the 3.65-kilometre Okrika-Borokiri Road with three bridges connecting Kolabi, Abotoru and Okpoka creeks to Port Harcourt.