ACIF warns NDCC boss against paying for abandoned, non-executed projects

- The NDDC has been cautioned against paying incompetent contractors in the Niger Delta

- The advice was given by the Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum (ACIF)

- The ACIF chairman, Comrade Prince Kpokpogri, called for verification and inspection of all awarded projects in the region

The chairman of Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum (ACIF), Comrade Prince Kpokpogri, has cautioned the acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Dr Joi Nunieh, against paying contractors for abandoned, non-executed and shoddily completed projects in the region.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, February 7 in Abuja, Kpokpogri called for thorough verification and inspection of all awarded projects in the Niger Delta region.

He also called for due diligence from the two inaugurated committees for contract documentation and project assessment.

The ACIF chairman, however, expressed shock and dissatisfaction over the findings of the verification exercise instituted as a prelude to the forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari.

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Reports indicate that some award letters were found to be fake; some of the companies were not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), while some firms were registered after they had been given contracts.

Kpokpogri, therefore, called for the authentication of all the documents submitted by contractors and consultants, adding that the newly inaugurated committees should visit various sites of the acclaimed projects to verify contractors’ claims.

He advised the NDDC boss to engage Civil Society Organizations and partner all relevant anti-corruption agencies, organizations and persons in the fight to liberate and reposition the Niger Delta region.

“The NDDC has become a conduit pipe for contractors and cabals. The north is fast developing owing to their dedication to the policy thrust of their development commission. Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region must stand to emulate that. We must frown at duplication of projects,” Kpokpogri stressed.

He also commended the Nunieh for bringing the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), a wing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the audit process.

Recall that the ACIF had earlier revealed its plans to approach a court in order to compel the EFCC to arrest and prosecute former Managing Director of the NDDC, Professor Nelson Brambaifa.

The group also vowed to complement the legal move with protests to occupy the EFCC headquarters in Abuja as well as the presidency.

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