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PTCIJ Urges Niger Deltans To Lead Campaign Against Fraudulent NDDC Officials

Published

5 years ago

August 26, 2020

Joel Ajayi

Indigenes of the oil-rich Niger Delta region have been charged to be at the forefront of calling out officials and exposing corrupt acts perpetrated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The call was made Wednesday by two senior investigative journalists of the Premium Times Centre For Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ) Akintunde Babatunde and Adebayo Taiwo-Hassan, during a radio program, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG.

NDDC has been enmeshed in uncountable allegations of financial impropriety and fraud against its basic mandate of developing the oil-rich region. An investigation conducted by PTCIJ in 2019 on the state of multi-billion naira projects awarded by the commission had revealed that many contracts awarded by NDDC were either poorly executed or abandoned since creation in 2000.

Taiwo-Hassan, a senior investigative reporter said it was worrisome to see members of the public, civil society organizations, National Assembly raise alarm over the rot and malfeasance in NDDC while people from the region appear less-concerned.

“You have people from the region who are very educated, who are on twitter and other social media platforms, what has come from them, have they reported poorly executed projects in their area.”

Describing the effect of abandoned and poorly executed projects in the region, he said the mess caused by years of mal-administration in the region is actually not expressible and words are not enough for it.

“It is extremely messy and has become worse by activity of people who are entrusted with a role to ameliorate the situation but they have turned it to criminal money making enterprise. “

Asked if the situation in Niger Delta can be tied to the acts of criminality associated with the region, he said: “of course, there is a link to environment and criminal violence and that is why the more developed a country is, the more peaceful it is. In Nigeria today, you see people who are ready to take up arms against the state, the reason is that there is no form of psychological loyalty because they don’t feel like the state has done anything for them.”

Adding that money, pumped into Niger Delta region through NDDC falls far below executed projects on ground.

Earlier, The Programme Manager, Akintunde Babatunde said investigation was prompted by the massive allocation of funds to the region in almost two decades. According to him, NDDC budget gulped N2.16 trillion naira in 18 years with the agency claiming to have executed over nine thousand projects in 19 years.

He, however, revealed that some of the contracts NDDC claimed to have executed were awarded for 5 times. He recommended that citizens’ involvement in contracts awarded in their communities remains the most efficient means of getting the job done.

Co-convener of the programme, Adaobi Obiabunmuo also joined the call for Nigerians and particularly residents of the oil-rich Niger Delta region to show enthusiasm and hold public officials to account.

“As citizens, we must continue to engage with stakeholders and also monitor projects in our communities,” She stated.

The syndicated radio program is produced by PRIMORG with the support from the MACARTHUR FOUNDATION.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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