By Derick Peretengboro

The recovery of more than $160 million in outstanding statutory liabilities owed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by oil companies has triggered calls for the funds to be transparently and strategically deployed to address critical infrastructure deficits across oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta.

The call was made by Mr. Abai Francis, Brand Director of PENGlobal, who urged the Federal Government and the NDDC to ensure that the recovered funds translate into visible and sustainable development in communities that have continued to bear the environmental and economic burden of oil exploration.

According to him, the recovery represents a major opportunity to bridge the longstanding development gap between riverine oil-producing communities and urban centres.

The recovery reportedly followed investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the failure of some oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to meet their statutory financial obligations to the NDDC.

Reports indicate that the EFCC investigated 43 oil companies, with 24 allegedly found to have outstanding liabilities amounting to N76.88 billion and $81.08 million, while 19 companies were reportedly cleared of indebtedness.

More than $117 million is said to have already been released to the NDDC, either through direct payments or recoveries facilitated by the EFCC.

Reacting to the development, Abai said the funds must not be allowed to disappear into abandoned projects, inflated contracts or poorly executed interventions.

He noted that many oil-producing communities, particularly those located in the creeks and other difficult terrains of the Niger Delta, still lack basic infrastructure despite the region’s enormous contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

He listed roads, jetties, electricity, potable water, healthcare facilities, schools, telecommunications infrastructure and shoreline protection among the critical needs requiring urgent attention.

«“Rather than spreading the funds across numerous projects with limited impact, the NDDC should consider strategic interventions based on the most pressing needs of communities,” he said.

Abai also called for the prioritisation of abandoned and critical infrastructure capable of improving living conditions and stimulating economic activities within host communities.

He stressed the need for meaningful grassroots consultation, involving traditional institutions, community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders, before projects are selected.

According to him, such consultation would ensure that development interventions reflect the actual needs of the people rather than projects imposed without adequate community input.

EFCC Monitoring Demanded

The PENGlobal Director further called on the EFCC and other relevant accountability institutions to maintain appropriate oversight of the recovered funds after their release to the NDDC.

He clarified that such monitoring should not interfere with the statutory functions of the NDDC, but should strengthen accountability and ensure that public funds are properly utilised.

Expenditures must be transparent, projects traceable, contractors held to agreed standards, and public funds protected from disappearing through abandoned projects, inflated contracts or other forms of financial misconduct,” he stated.

Abai also urged the NDDC to publicly disclose projects funded with the recovered money, including their locations, contract values, contractors, implementation timelines and current status.

He said such disclosure would enable host communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to effectively monitor project execution.

‘Let the People Feel the Impact’

The PENGlobal Director maintained that the success of the recovery should not be measured by the amount of money recovered alone, but by the tangible improvements delivered to the people of the Niger Delta.

He said residents of oil-producing communities who have endured decades of environmental degradation and developmental deficits should be able to see the impact through renovated schools, equipped health facilities, improved roads and waterways, electricity, potable water and other sustainable infrastructure.

He therefore urged the Federal Government, National Assembly, EFCC and NDDC to seize the opportunity to establish a new standard of transparency and accountability in Niger Delta development.

According to him, every dollar recovered in the name of Niger Delta development should, as much as possible, be seen working for the people, particularly residents of oil-producing creek communities where the need for meaningful development remains most urgent.