The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is pushing for an exit from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy of the Federal government in a bid to enhance its effectiveness in driving development in the Niger Delta region.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, emphasized the necessity for the commission to be disassociated from the TSA framework. He argued that while TSA has its advantages, it restricts the commission from swiftly addressing the pressing developmental needs of the region. Ogbuku stressed the importance of financial autonomy and the ability to make agile and timely financial decisions to realize the renewed hope agenda for the Niger Delta region.
“We advocate the removal of the NDDC from operating under the TSA framework due to the Commission’s unique characteristics and the potential benefits of increased autonomy in financial management. Removal from the TSA framework could expedite the approval and disbursement processes, allowing the NDDC to implement projects more efficiently and meet the urgent development requirements of the region,” Ogbuku stated.
The NDDC is entrusted with the pivotal task of addressing specific and immediate development needs in the Niger Delta region. Ogbuku emphasized that flexible financial decision-making is imperative to effectively respond to the dynamic challenges facing the region.
The Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, highlighted the importance of a strong collaboration between the NDDC and the Ministry. He encouraged the Commission to engage extensively with state governments and communities to strategically allocate projects, fostering trust and ensuring impactful and non-duplicative development initiatives.
The Chairman of the NDDC board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, underscored the significance of the retreat, reflecting President Tinubu’s commitment to ushering in peace and development in the Niger Delta.
The plea by the NDDC not only signifies a quest for independence in managing its finances efficiently but also underscores the broader narrative of striving to fulfill the development needs of the Niger Delta region.
