More details have emerged about the corruption allegation against the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as the House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Affairs continues to grill officials on budgets of the commission.
Between January to May, 2020, the commission spent N122.9 million on condolence related ceremonies out of the N81.5 billion spent so far within that period.
This was revealed during the investigative hearing by the Committee on Wednesday. The committee is charged with investigating the financial misappropriation, fictitious award of contracts and corruption by the Niger Delta Development Commission.
The Chairman of the Committee, Olubumi Ojo revealed that according to the report of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the committee has so far spent the funds as follow.
“Community relations -N1.3 billion, Condolences- N122.9 million, Consultancy: N83 million, Covid-19- N3.14 billion, DTA (Duty Travel Allowance)- N486 million, Impress – N790.9 million.
“Lasser fever- N1.956 billion, Legal Services- N900 million, Maintenance- N220 million, Overseas travel- N85.6 million, Project Public Communication- N1.121 billion, Security- N744 million, Staffing related payment- N8.8 billion and Stakeholders engagement (February 18- May 31, 2020) N248 million.
The representative of the CBN, Mr. John Attah was unable to provide figures from January to May, as he noted that he was unable to provide the figure off-hand.
“I can not give you the total offhand, but what I know is we only make payment on infrastructure.”
To address the situation, the Chairman decided to summon the management of the NDDC.
Earlier, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila in his address urged the committee to discharge their duty without fear.
“Because of the importance of this committee, the issues; I decided to appear here personally. This committee with the backing of the house and the Nigerian people, I charge them to do what they ought to do as long as they stay on the path of truth and justice, ” he said.
