Tension looms over FG’s plan to scrap NDDC

ABUJA -Tension is heightened in Niger Delta, following plans by President Muhammadu Buhari to scrap the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

It was gathered that there is a plan to transfer NDDC functions to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, then it would be scrapped completely.

According to source, the planned scrapping of the agency is part of the efforts by the government to increase the pace of development in the oil producing South-South.

Our reporter gathered on Saturday in Abuja that under the planned restructuring, the ministry will assume the functions of the NDDC.

A top official of the ministry who leaked the information said the NDDC substantive board was delay as regards of this development.

However, there was no recommendation as regards scrapping of the NDDC in the forensic auditors.

The source maintained that the move was as a result of lost of confidence by the Federal Government in the ability of the commission as currently constituted to deliver on the mandate of developing the oil bearing states.

A state house source who pleaded anonymity said, the government was considering bringing the NDDC directly under the President’s supervision or transferring its functions to the ministry.