The Niger Delta Indigenous Contractors Association (NDICA) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to hasten project execution in the region.
The contractors also threatened to drag International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the region to court for failing to remit their three per cent dues to the commission for more than five years.
They decried the situation saying the attitude of the IOCs had retarded implementation of projects to facilitate the Niger Delta development.
The contractors in a statement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State at the weekend said there was an urgent need for President Tinubu to exempt NDDC from the TSA.
Darlington applauded Tinubu for appointing technocrats and people of good character to serve on the board of the commission.
The contractors said: “It is through their leadership that Niger Delta has seen positive developments and progress within the region.
“While we reflect on the outcomes of the summit, it is evident that there is still much work to be done to address the challenges facing the Niger Delta region.
“In this regard, we call on Mr. President to consider exempting the NDDC from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system. Such an exemption would enable the NDDC to operate more efficiently and effectively, thereby enhancing its performance and impact on the region”.
Darlington urged the NDDC to prioritise payment of contractors, award of signature projects of high importance to the region, mobilisation of contractors for timely execution of vital projects.
He insisted that such priorities were essential for the sustainable development and prosperity of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed gratitude to the critical stakeholders, who graced the just-concluded NDDC Summit with their presence, especially former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Senate President, Godswll Akpabio and governors of the Niger Delta states among other key dignitaries.
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Also a prominent member of NDICA, Kelvin Gigi, urged the IOCs and the Ecological Funds to remit their contributions and monies due to the NDDC promptly.
He said the funds were essential for the NDDC to carry out its mandate and implement crucial projects that would benefit the people of the Niger Delta region.
He said: “As a concerned association, we will not hesitate to institute a legal action against the IOCs if at the end of August this year they refuse to remit their dues to the Commission.
“It is very clear that contractors are being owed by the commission because of the inability of the oil majors to pay their dues to the commission”.
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