𝗡𝗗𝗗𝗖 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲, 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗜𝗔 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿 180 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀

BY NIGERDELTA VOICE,

Niger Delta, Nigeria.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has intensified efforts to conclude pending Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certification processes for 180 development projects across the Niger Delta region.

The Commission disclosed this during an engagement meeting with Environmental Impact Assessment consultants at its headquarters, where officials outlined new measures aimed at resolving long-standing certification challenges affecting projects awarded under the 2014, 2016 and 2022 fiscal years.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Environmental Protection and Control at the NDDC, Mrs. Anthonia Akpan, said delays in obtaining environmental approvals and permits from the Federal Ministry of Environment had slowed down project execution and affected communities expected to benefit from the interventions.

According to her, the Commission had made significant progress after formally appealing to the Federal Ministry of Environment for concessions to facilitate the clearance of outstanding EIA applications.

Akpan explained that the Ministry approved several waivers and concessions, including in-house review processes, reduction in statutory charges and fees, as well as the issuance of EIA certificates for affected projects.

She further disclosed that the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, had introduced a new policy linking payment for EIA consultancy services to the successful procurement of EIA permits from the Federal Ministry of Environment.

“Going forward, payment for EIA services shall only be made to consultants upon the successful securing of EIA permits from the Federal Ministry of Environment,” she stated.

She noted that the directive was aimed at promoting accountability, ensuring value for money and guaranteeing the timely completion of environmental assessment processes for projects executed by the Commission.

Akpan also assured consultants that the management of the Commission had resolved to settle all outstanding statutory obligations and fees required by the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure seamless procurement of EIA permits and certificates.

Earlier, the Deputy Director of Environmental Protection and Control in charge of Ecological Monitoring, Mr. Oscar Abayisemore, said the meeting was organised to brief consultants on reforms introduced by the management regarding EIA processes for NDDC projects.

Abayisemore expressed confidence that the reforms would improve efficiency and ensure smoother environmental compliance procedures across the Commission’s operations.

Speaking on behalf of the consultants, the Coordinating Consultant, Mr. Daniel George, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major step toward resolving backlog EIA projects within the Commission’s portfolio.

“We are happy for this opportunity and grateful for the initiative taken by the Managing Director through the EPC Department. This process will help us close out several outstanding EIA projects and ultimately benefit the people of the Niger Delta region,” George said.