Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) in collaboration with Abia state NDDC Advocacy Groups, have expressed their gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria for ordering the cancellation of all the contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from 2000 to December 31, 2019, for which the beneficiary contractors are yet to mobilize to the sites.
“This is commendable and a piece of refreshing news to the People of Niger Delta Region who have long yearned for governmental intervention,” said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD. FENRAD is a member organisation of the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) in the South-east region of Nigeria.
“The failure of contractors to properly execute projects awarded to them from the year 2000 to 2019 has destroyed lives, hopes, and bright futures, stunted the economy of the regions, and caused all forms of youth restiveness in the region. This would have been avoided if due processes were followed,” he continued.
“However, our concerns go beyond cancellation and refund. We demand that the Federal Government and NDDC initiate an Investigation as to why the said contractors abandoned these projects, with prosecution and incarceration where necessary, and the re-awarding of those contracts to reputable contractors who can further execute the contracts for the benefit of the people of Niger Delta,” Nelson added.
The Advocacy Group demanded justice for those who may have been agonized and left in pain as a result of abandoned projects in the region. Those who could have received treatment in the proposed hospital these contractors failed to execute could be dead now, and children who should have gained quality education in the school projects they failed to carry out may have seen their future truncated today.
“We demand that a public hearing should be held where these contractors can explain the reasons for project abandonment,” stressed Barr. Akande Femisi, Head Corporate Accountability and Human Rights Enforcement FENRAD.
“This hearing should include the Civil Society Groups operating in all the Niger Delta States, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta so that no stone will be left unturned in bringing those contractors to book,” he added.
Comrade Nelson called on the Presidency to make the report public for claims and objections on the side of the contract awarded and to also identify the contractors who might be involved in the fraudulent activities in the NDDC for the lingering forensic Audit Reports on the Failed NDDC Project. We also demand the publishing of the canceled contract for public scrutiny.