Reps to probe abandoned N6.5bn NDDC erosion contract in Bayelsa

The House of Representatives unveiled plans on Wednesday to investigate the N6.5 billion abandoned erosion contract awarded by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The resolution was adopted sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Abonsizine Oforji Oboku, who expressed grief over the State of the contract.

He observed that the Opokuma Clan Erosion Protection I Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was awarded in May 2004 with the payment of a N2.5 billion mobilisation fee.

In his lead debate, Hon. Oboku, who solicited for the House intervention, observed that one of the mandates of the Niger Delta Development Commission is to “offer a lasting solution to the socio-economic difficulties of the Niger Delta Region and to facilitate the rapid and sustainable development of the region.

“The House also note that it is on this premise that the NDDC, in May 2004, awarded the contract of shoreline protection in Opokuma Kingdom due to erosion to Jide Agboola of Dredging Atlantic Ltd.

“This company has a reputation for abandoning projects.

“It was reported by the Guardian Newspaper on October 6, 2015, that the company abandoned a similar project awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission in Aiyetoro Community in Ilaje Council Area of Ondo State after collecting the mobilisation fee of N2.5 billion out of the N6.5 billion contract sum.

“The House is worried that almost 20 years after this project was abandoned, this has resulted in perennial erosion, affecting a clan comprising 10 communities.

In fact, a community (AYAKOROAMA Community) has been washed away. Similarly, a substantial part of Orubiri Community has suffered the same fate.

“The House is saddened that this has led to the loss of lives and property; this could have been averted if the contractor and NDDC had lived up to the expectations of the aim and objectives of the said contract.”

To this end, the House mandated its Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to investigate the project and report back to the House in four weeks for further legislative action.

ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE 

• ICYMI: OPay, Moniepoint, others to resume onboarding new customers

• Junior Pope stabbed me in the back repeatedly — Yul Edochie

• Shettima inaugurates board of NCPC

• Over 400,000 unplanned births occur yearly in Nigeria — Child rights advocate

• South-East development commission bill to be transmitted for Tinubu’s assent soon — Kalu

• Ndume on people-centred corruption