The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, has pledged to recover all outstanding statutory contributions owed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by oil companies.

Olukoyede made the commitment during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Training Centre in Otuokpoti, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He also formally opened the NDDC Bayelsa State office in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Describing the NDDC as a “renewed and transformed government agency,” Olukoyede reaffirmed that the EFCC would intensify efforts to reclaim all statutory dues owed the Commission.

“We have made several recoveries on behalf of the NDDC, and we will not ease up in this regard. We are encouraged by the NDDC’s tangible contribution to making the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda a reality in the Niger Delta region,” he stated.

Minister of Regional Development, Engr Abubakar Momoh, commended the NDDC Board and Management for working cohesively to deliver on the mandate entrusted to the Commission by President Bola Tinubu.

“The NDDC is now setting a benchmark for effective performance in the region. I encourage other regional development agencies to follow its example in delivering meaningful projects to their communities,” the Minister said.

Expressing satisfaction with the Commission’s progress, Momoh added, “The NDDC’s achievements are aligned with President Tinubu’s vision. I appreciate the President and the National Assembly for creating an enabling environment for the Commission to operate effectively.”

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, said the training centre’s inauguration represents the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transforming the Niger Delta.

“We are grateful to our stakeholders for their ongoing support, which motivates us to meet their expectations. We also value the collaboration with state governments, which has helped us make meaningful progress,” Ebie said.

He confirmed the Commission’s determination to partner with the governors of oil-producing states in pursuit of long-term regional development.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, reiterated the Commission’s resolve to deliver on President Tinubu’s directive to change the narrative in the Niger Delta. He said the NDDC is actively engaging all stakeholders to build consensus and foster cooperation in driving development.

Ogbuku revealed that the Multi-Purpose Training Centre, completed within a record timeframe, was made possible through a partnership with the EFCC, which recovered the funds used for the project.

“This facility, which can accommodate 1,000 individuals, marks a major step in empowering local communities through vocational training and inclusive economic growth,” he said.

He added that similar projects are underway in Odi, Bayelsa State, while construction has commenced in Patani and Ozorro, Delta State, with two more facilities planned for Rivers State.

“We are committed to implementing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the Niger Delta. The NDDC remains firmly dedicated to its mandate under President Tinubu to transform the region,” Ogbuku said.

Providing further details, NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, explained that the contract for the training centre was awarded in 2023. He noted that the facility includes a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreation centre, designed to support both skills development and emergency accommodation.

In a goodwill message, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for prioritising development in the Niger Delta through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Members of the National Assembly remain fully committed to ensuring robust oversight of the NDDC’s activities. Our shared objective is to see the Commission deliver on its mandate and drive lasting progress across the region,” Ekpeyong affirmed.