Forensic Audit Reports: NDDC records over 12,128 abandoned projects so far, Godswill Akpabio tells United Nations
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has disclosed that over 12,128 abandoned projects have been uncovered by the interim reports from the ongoing forensic verification exercise of activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The Minister revealed that the abandoned projects have no proper records of ownership. He further explained that the new development was against the 9,080 projects listed by the government to be considered in the verification process.
Vanguard Newspaper reports that Senator Akpabio made the disclosure during the visit of the United Nations, Deputy Secretary-General, Hajia Amina Mohammed, to him in Abuja.
The minister used the opportunity to seek collaboration with United Nations to maintain peace and development in the Niger Delta region, which he described as the most peaceful region in Nigeria.
He said “Most of these abandoned projects have become sanctuaries to criminals. Projects were embarked on without consultations.
“There was no initial coordination. So, as part of its mandate, the Ministry has adopted a programme called ‘Strategic Implementation Work Plan’, SIWP, which will coordinate the activities of development partners and stakeholders to prevent duplication of projects in the region.”
The Minister also confirmed that the Ministry is developing a programme “Catch them young” where young people in primary and secondary schools are enlightened on the importance of peace and the dangers of destroying oil pipeline in the region which however has negative impact on the nation’s economy.
In her response, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Hajia Amina Mohammed, noted that issues bordering on the Niger Delta region are peculiar to the heart of the UN and would do everything possible within the UN programmes to address the issues bothering the Niger Delta region, stressing on the need to maintain peace in the region, as peace is the driver of any meaningful development.
