In a recent interview, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), advised the current chairman, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, to adhere to the regulations outlined in the Commission’s Establishment Act.
Senator Ndoma-Egba emphasized that the NDDC’s governing laws clearly define the powers of both the Board and Management.
However, he pointed out that issues arise when it comes to controlling funds.
According to him, the Chief Executive Officer, as the accounting officer, holds personal liability for infractions of laws such as the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the NDDC Act.
He stressed that the CEO cannot spend outside the approved budget, which requires the board’s endorsement.
Senator Ndoma-Egba suggested exercising the powers given in a creative manner that maintains a balance between the board’s oversight and the Commission’s operations.
Furthermore, he clarified that the chairman does not possess executive powers but rather shares the same powers as the board.
The initial board had delegated powers to him as chairman to act in urgent matters, subject to subsequent ratification by the board.
The chairman’s authority is not distinct from the board’s powers.
In contrast, the Managing Director is specifically designated as the chief accounting officer and personally accountable for any violations of relevant laws.
Expressing his concern, Senator Ndoma-Egba lamented the lack of growth in the NDDC, preventing the establishment of solid traditions.
Since its establishment in 2000, no board has completed its full term, impeding the development of established practices. He attributed this issue to excessive external interference.
Recalling past initiatives, Senator Ndoma-Egba mentioned that in 2006, former President Olusegun Obasanjo launched a comprehensive regional development Master Plan for the Niger Delta.
The plan, created in collaboration with Niger Delta stakeholders, aimed to guide development in the region for 15 years.
Unfortunately, the plan was abandoned, leaving the region without a clear roadmap for development.
The former NDDC chairman questioned how the Niger Delta could progress without a well-defined plan.
Senator Ndoma-Egba highlighted the initial steps taken during his tenure, which involved revalidating the expired master plan or developing a new one.
He mentioned ongoing discussions with the government of Sao Tome to leverage their excess internet capacity for the Niger Delta region.
The plan also included the establishment of a Niger Delta Development Bank to ensure the sustainability of major projects, independent of board composition.
It remains to be seen how the current NDDC leadership will respond to Senator Ndoma-Egba’s advice and address the challenges facing the Commission in fulfilling its mandate.
