The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has dismissed as false and malicious a report by online news platform, Sahara Reporters, alleging misuse of funds and delays in the execution of its projects.
According to a statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs, the Commission described the publication as “misleading, unverified, and designed to tarnish the image of the NDDC and its management.”
The report, published on September 25 under the headline “NDDC Projects Drag in Niger Delta as Tinubu Government Fails to Publish Commission’s Audit Report”, claimed that the Commission spent ₦5 billion on the 50th birthday of its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. The NDDC clarified that the event was privately sponsored by Ogbuku’s friends and associates, with the highlight being the launch of two books, not a lavish celebration.
It further stressed that project execution in the Niger Delta has not stalled. On the contrary, the Commission pointed to numerous recent achievements, including the inauguration of the 9.6km Abraka-Oben Road in Delta State, the 7.3km Oyigbo Road network in Rivers, the 23.7km Ndoro-Ntalakwu Road in Abia, and the 7.8km Eziama-Abba-Owerre Nkworji Road in Imo. Other notable projects include the ultra-modern NDDC offices in Calabar and Yenagoa, road networks in multiple states, and training centres for farmers and youths.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to continue delivering transformative infrastructure and human-capacity projects across the Niger Delta.
It urged the public to disregard “falsehoods designed to derail progress,” insisting that its focus remains on development, not distractions.
