Niger Delta contractors urge FG, IOCs to release funds to NDDC for payment of completed projects

By Emmanuel Obisue 

A coalition of the Niger Delta contractors has beckoned on the Federal Government of Nigeria, and International Oil Company, IOC's, in the Niger Delta region to release monies owed to the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC to fast-track their outstanding payments for projects executed in the region.

President of the Contractors Association of the NDDC, Mr Sylvester Tonye had recently applauded the  Interim Administrator of the NDDC, Mr Effiong Akwa, for his Goodwill and hard work in ensuring that the contractors are all happy and fully paid for work done in the region.

"I do also want to use this medium to thank Mr Akwa for his immense efforts in trying to bring the people of the Niger Delta region together, promoting oneness, peace and forestalling disunity amongst themselves," he said.

Responding to the plight of the contractors, Mr Tonye had pushed the blame on the IOCs, positing that the entities owe the NDDC over $4bn. 

He said the affirmation of the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio that the NDDC is on life support, has been confirmed, because monies coming into the Commission is not enough to pay contractors for work done.

The contractors also pleaded with the Muhammadu Buhari-led Presidency to intervene in the matter between the IOCs and NDDC to enable Mr Akwa to carry out his duties effectively and pay contractors.  

To this end, they also stressed that the leaders of the region should eliminate selfish interests and join hands together with the Interim Administrator to develop the region and deviate from fighting over who has brought who on board or who has not.

While making a passionate call on the elders and stakeholders in the region, Mr Tonye also implored the youths of the region to remain calm and allow for the development of the region for the overall betterment for all.