NDDC debt to be settled soon as federal government promises to release N30 billion to commission
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, July 22 assured the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) that his administration would soon release N30 billion to it soon so as to enable it pay the debt owed contractors.
Daily Trust reports that the president, who was represented by his senior special assistant on National Assembly matters (Senate), Ita Enang, assured the NDDC at a rally in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state.
NAIJ.com gathers that the government also promised to ensure quick completion and commissioning of projects abandoned by NDDC contractors.
According to President Buhari, he was encouraged to empower the NDDC so as to deliver on the infrastructure and human capacity development of people in the Niger Delta.
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He said N11 billion has been approved by the government for the remaining lot of the Itu/Calabar highway in addition to initial N54 billion.
The president said: “Federal government made a special provision of N30 billion for payment of debt owed contractors by the NDDC for the outstanding jobs done so that they can be completed and commissioned for the welfare of Niger Delta and the Akwa Ibom people.
“The federal government has awarded the sum of N11 billion for the remaining lot so that the greater portion of it could be captured while the outstanding area could be designed for procurement."
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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that the All Progressives Congress in Ondo state urged President Muhammadu Buhari to dissolve the board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) following the expiration of its tenure in December.
The state publicity secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, made the call in a statement in Lagos on Sunday, February 4.
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Source: Naija.ng