Senate queries NDDC over alleged N100 billion contracts scandal

By Joshua Omoloye, Abuja

Officials of the  Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have been summoned to appear before the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) on Wednesday to clear the air on an alleged N100 billion contracts scandal.

Making the allegation, the committee chaired by Senator Matthew Urhoghide (Edo South) relied on special periodic checks on the activities and programmes of NDDC for period 1st January 2013- 30th June , 2018.

He bemoaned how over N100 billion was spent on contracts in NDDC without justification for the spendings.

The chairman who vowed that identified culprits in the scandal would be personally responsible for their actions, said  the Committee will “personalize any refund that is traceable to an individual” during the Investigative hearing .

Speaking during a meeting of the committee, Urhoghide said: ” We have invited NDDC to come , they don’t have records of financial transaction. They will appear before us on Wednesday.

” They have 47 queries and we are going at it the issue from 1 to 47 and we are going to personalized any refund.

” It is painful that N100 billion were spent without justification for it .

” We equally invite them for status enquiry on all revenue into their accounts.

“We are waiting for the NDDC, if they don’t come , we take necessary action against them.”

Part of the queries read, ” it was observed that so many contractors were paid mobilization fee to enable them to commence the execution of the projects awarded to them.

” Contrary to the terms and agreement some of the contractors bolter away after collection of the mobilization fees.

” The surprising aspect of it was that this practice involved 626 contractors in which the sum of N61.4 billion was lost to fraudulent practices.

” Irregularities in the execution of contract awarded to SETRACO Nigeria Ltd. for the construction of Gbaregolor- Gbekbot -Ogulagha road phase worth N16.1 billion.”