Minister To Review NDDC Audit Report

ABUJA

The minister of Niger Delta Affairs has stated that the ministry was taking steps to review the audit report of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to provide proper foundational template for implementation and execution of projects in the region.

Umana Okon Umana while receiving immediate past senior special assistant to the president on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang in Abuja, Tuesday, the Niger Delta Affairs minister, said his ministry was taking steps to review the audit report of the NDDC, adding that it would provide proper foundational template for implementation and execution of projects in the region.

According to a statement issued by the director, press and public relations, Mrs Patricia Deworitshe, “Umana stressed that the ministry is taking steps to review the audit report of the NDDC as it would provide proper foundational template for implementation and execution of projects in the region.”

The minister restated the commitment of his ministry in partnering with major stakeholders and development partners to ensure the development of the Niger Delta region and the country.

Commenting on oil theft in the region, he explained that although complicated, no option would be excluded in tackling the menace, adding that efforts were being made to maintain peace and tranquility in the region.

Umana promised to do his best to support efforts, initiatives and programmes that would lead to the ministry’s achievement of its objectives and mandate.

Earlier, the minister of state, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Sharon Ikeazor, stated that there should be effective coordination of the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to promote developmental projects in the region.

“The region would be highly interested in aqua-culture, therefore we would coordinate and research intervention partners and agencies that has been doing great job in the Niger Delta region without the knowledge of the ministry for the sustainability of the development of the region,” she stated.

Briefing the ministers on his activities while in office, the former presidential aides opined that the focus of his office has been on Niger Delta economic diversification.

“My office has been working with various MDAs to ensure programmes and projects such as agriculture (oil alternative programmes), fisheries are executed in the interest of the Niger Delta people, I therefore solicit the continuation of the projects by the ministry in order to achieve the desired goal,” he stated.

Umana also received the Niger Delta Youth Council of Nigeria (NDYCN), while acknowledging the group as part of the critical stakeholders, pledged to work with them as inputs are needed from all stakeholders in the implementation of the ministry’s agenda and programmes that would impact positively on the Niger Deltans.