The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has swung into action, unveiling a Project Verification and Payment Committee tasked with scrutinising projects and unlocking payments owed to contractors across the region.
The move was announced in Port Harcourt on Tuesday by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, who said the decision crystallised from deliberations at a recent meeting of the 7th Governing Board.
According to her, the committee’s birth aligns with a Federal Government directive urging Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to migrate to digital platforms and embrace a paperless workflow—an attempt to replace dusty files with smart systems.
Thompson-Wakama noted that the panel would carry out an all-encompassing verification of completed projects in the Niger Delta dating back to January 2023, ensuring no genuine work slips through the cracks.
She added that, in keeping with the federal directive, the Commission has already begun reviewing finished projects with a view to uploading verified records onto its electronic database to pave the way for contractor payments.
“The committee will verify all categories of infrastructure projects, including electrification, de-silting, environmental, and water projects.
“This is to enable their capture on the NDDC’s Directorate of Finance and Accounts digitalised platform for payment.”
The committee is chaired by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Mr Boma Iyaye, with the Director of Legal Services, Mr Victor Arenyeka, serving as Secretary.
Other members include the Executive Director of Projects, Mr Victor Antai, and the Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision, Mr Gbenga Omowanle, among others.
