The Niger Delta Development Commission has advised contractors working on its projects to go back to their specific locations and guarantee that they meet the necessary standards for good quality work before they can get paid.
The statement was made by the Rivers State representative on the NDDC Board, Tony Okocha, at a meeting with stakeholders and contractors at the NDDC State Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This was reported by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, on Thursday.
Okocha emphasized that contractors who do not meet the required specifications will not receive payment for the projects.
While understanding the contractors' concerns about delayed payment for completed work, he mentioned that the commission might consider an upfront mobilisation fee to help contractors speed up their work.
Okocha revealed that he will soon start inspecting project sites with the commission's engineers for an immediate assessment, stating, "I am not an armchair administrator who will stay in the office and listen to reports.
"I am coming to your sites with my team of competent engineers to assess the work you are doing and if we find the work to be sub-standard, you will have yourself to blame as the current NDDC Board will not compromise on standards."
The Rivers State representative emphasized that the commission would implement projects and programs in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, which aims to benefit the people of the Niger Delta region.
Okocha stated that the NDDC’s Project Monitoring and Supervision Directorate would utilize automated machines for proper documentation and filing to take advantage of its numerous benefits.
He also noted that as the Rivers State representative on the NDDC board, his commitment to serve the people was unwavering, and there would be no preferential treatment in terms of payment.
He mentioned, "We will create a list of contractors who actually worked and deserve payment for their efforts."
During the discussions, one of the contractors, Tony Maduabuchi, called on the Federal Government to urgently remove the NDDC from the Treasury Single Account, which he said was hindering contractors from receiving proper funding from the commission, as it is an interventionist body.
He expressed gratitude to the NDDC for providing a platform for contractors and other stakeholders to discuss ways to advance the region.
