NDDC explains end to upfront mobilisation of contractors

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

UMUAHIA — The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said it no longer provides upfront mobilisation funds to contractors due to past experiences where some contractors allegedly diverted the funds and failed to complete assigned projects.

The commission said the development has contributed to the large number of abandoned projects across the Niger Delta region.

Speaking at a sensitisation workshop for youths drawn from the 17 local government areas of Abia State, the NDDC State Director in the state, Anderson Ukeh, also expressed concern over incidents of vandalism affecting NDDC projects in the region.

He explained that the workshop was organised to encourage young people to take ownership of development projects in their communities and help protect them from vandalism.

Ukeh commended the Managing Director of the commission, Samuel Ogbuku, for initiating engagement with youths to promote community participation in safeguarding public infrastructure.

According to him, the commission has executed more than 19,000 projects across the Niger Delta, with over 13,000 reportedly yet to be completed.

He urged youths to protect projects in their communities, report suspected vandals to security agencies and support efforts aimed at ensuring that development initiatives deliver lasting benefits.

Ukeh noted that the commission operates as an intervention agency and awards projects based on consultations with host communities to ensure they address priority needs.

He explained that contractors are encouraged to involve local residents in project execution and that the commission follows established procedures in awarding contracts.

The NDDC official further stated that most projects undertaken by the commission require significant financial resources and time to complete. He noted that contractors are now expected to execute substantial portions of their projects before receiving payment.

He explained that the policy followed past experiences where mobilisation payments ranging from 15 to 25 per cent were issued to contractors but projects were not completed as expected.

Ukeh added that other factors, including rising costs of construction materials, also contribute to delays in the execution of some projects.

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