Okey Ikechukwu: “The Niger Delta Ministry is no more, thanks to some restructuring by the President. I was vocal about calling for its dissolution right from the moment it was established. This wasn’t because the Niger Delta communities didn’t warrant more support from a federation they contribute significantly to; rather, it was essential to take a step back and critically evaluate the genuine development that various intervention agencies, ranging from OMPADEC and NDDC to the now-defunct Niger Delta Ministry, have actually brought to the region.
People often say you should be wary of something suspicious when you find two entities undertaking nearly identical tasks in the same space concurrently. It brings to mind either a conspiracy to misappropriate resources under false pretenses or an alarming lack of awareness about what they’re doing.
Reflecting on my views shared on this platform four years ago, on February 24, 2020, under the title “Scrap the NDDC and Others,” it feels even more pertinent today with the dissolution of the Niger Delta Ministry. The core message remains largely unchanged: Has the Niger Delta Development Commission, now effectively the Ministry of the Niger Delta, delivered genuine development to Nigeria’s oil-producing states? Are such commissions really a step forward for a nation in the 21st century?
When we analyze this issue, we need to differentiate between the funds allocated to the NDDC and the actual evidence of sustainable economic interventions implemented by the commission over the last two decades. The NDDC leads the nation in terms of abandoned projects and is one of the most indebted state institutions. While a very few individuals at the helm have attempted meaningful change, the NDDC largely symbolizes corruption, patronage, and elite power struggles driven by unchecked exploitation. It has become a battleground for interests that pay little heed to the long-term welfare of ordinary citizens. The noble vision that birthed it has devolved into a delusion, primarily benefiting a political elite that profits from it, all while it continues to parade as a ‘developer’ of the oil-producing states.
To suggest scrapping such a mismanaged cash cow used by the elites for self-serving purposes inevitably draws the ire of vested interests. Despite numerous scandals, the desire to eliminate it and redirect its funds to the states remains absent from serious discussions. While it’s understandable that many states struggle in terms of performance, eliminating these commissions could significantly reduce the opportunities for elite theft.
Anticipating what lies ahead, we can expect more new commissions aimed at extending patronage networks and enabling questionable political discretion without effective state oversight. This proliferation is a direct consequence of a leadership that equates the existence of institutions and the passage of laws with genuine governance and service delivery. A thorough assessment of the over 500 government agencies could reveal just how much inefficiency permeates the system.
Consider the extravagance of public officials; it’s common for parliamentarians, governors, and heads of agencies to utilize bullet-proof SUVs. The cost of acquiring a single vehicle multiplied by just a fraction of these officials reveals staggering figures. When considering security personnel and support vehicles, one must question what these officials actually deliver to justify such lavish expenditures.
Back in 2020, I argued for a shift in our approach: it was time to determine whether we would remain a burden on society or pivot towards a more sustainable future. Current circumstances urgently call for us to streamline spending and focus on adding real value. Yet, we’re heading in the opposite direction. Lawmakers are still pocketing exorbitant salaries, while governors cling to misappropriated security funds, and the federal government continues to chase enlightening loans that mostly serve consumption rather than growth.
Historically, promises made by leaders like the late General Sani Abacha to allocate fuel price increases for national development projects showcased the immense issues related to accountability. The Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund, while created with good intentions, ultimately undermined existing institutions and muddled governmental policy coherence. What emerged were parallel funds and projects that often left the regions contributing the tax disadvantaged.
When the military was ready to hand over power in 1999, the Trust Fund had already generated significant distrust for its failure to fulfill its promises. Despite its shortcomings, those benefiting from it pushed vigorously for its continuation; I was approached to help champion a narrative that the incoming civilian government should retain it, highlighting its supposed successes. However, I refused. A media consultant must prioritize social responsibility over profit, and I believed it was vital for the new president to have the opportunity to restore order within the state.
In conclusion, as we find ourselves in a situation brimming with development commissions, creating an excessive array of administrative structures to oversee them is a fiscal folly. What we need is consolidation and efficiency, which the recent actions of the Federal Executive Council have aimed to address. My hope is that the government will reassess the revenue allocation formula and narrow the focus back to the states. Therefore, I wholeheartedly welcome the dissolution of the Niger Delta Ministry as a significant first step on a vital journey ahead.”
