The Federal Government has approved an additional N765.9million for the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
It is for extra work done by the auditors, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Umana, said.
He spoke after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja yesterday.
Umana said the governing board will be inaugurated after forensic audit processes are concluded.
According to him, the government is also anxious to see the NDDC board in place.
Umana said: “I can very conveniently say that the constitution of the board will follow immediately thereafter. Nobody is trying to stall the constitution of the board.
“I want the board in place because it would make my work run smoothly. But we must also follow the due process, conclude on this report and the white paper is issued. So that is the position.”
Umana said the council approved additional funds to cover the extra costs of the forensic audit.
“For this exercise, a lead consultant was appointed who had to work with 16 other field auditors.
“The initial contract zone, which covered the lead consultants and the field forensic auditors, was N1.786 billion.
“These auditors have since concluded their work but in the cause of carrying out this work, it was discovered that they had to deal with many more projects than were initially envisaged.
“The exercise also took an additional seven months.
“The total number of additional projects considered by the auditors was 3,773.
“So, for reasons of the additional number of projects and the additional time taken, Council approved a revised additional sum of N765,974,975.50 to cover the additional works done by the forensic auditors,“ the minister said.
NDDC begins construction of model hostel at Bayelsa varsity
The NDDC has begun the construction of a model hostel at Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, Bayelsa State.
The commission, according to a statement by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Dr. Ibitoye Abosede, also donated a 1,000KVA generator and a new coaster bus to the university.
Performing the groundbreaking on the university premises, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo hailed NDDC for demonstrating a commitment to building capacity in universities.
He also lauded the commission for fulfilling its promise to provide a 1,000KVA generator and a 23-seater bus for the university.
NDDC Interim Administrator Dr. Efiong Akwa urged universities to explore their huge potential and the opportunities available to them to make themselves self-sustaining.
He advised universities in the Niger Delta to be more proactive in their efforts, to ensure their self-sustainability and profitability.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Samuel Edoumiekumo, called for more collaboration between the university and the NDDC.