Managing Director of the Niger Delta Developement Commission, NDDC, Mr. Nsima Ekere has urged traditional rulers in the Niger Delta region to sensitise their subjects against oil theft and related economic crimes.
Ekere, made the appeal when monarchs under the aegis of Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, TROMPCON, paid him a courtesy visit at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The NDDC boss enjoined the royal fathers to encourage their subjects to promote peace in the region, stressing that peace was the needed atmosphere for development to thrive.
“Warn them against oil theft, vandalism, piracy and all other acts that could cause a breach of the peace and bring insecurity in the region. If there is no peace in the region, investors will be scared away. This is very important, more so now with dwindling oil prices in the international market.”
He expressed hope that the Federal Government will soon clear all outstanding payments owed the commission.
“I think TROMPCON should commend Mr. President for this remarkable decision. The Federal Government had been owing NDDC cumulatively since inception and for the first time this is being addressed.
“The Federal Government had not met its contributions and we went to the President and drew his attention to that fact. I am happy to inform you that President Buhari immediately directed the Minister of Finance, the Budget Office and the National Planning Commission to meet with NDDC, compare figures and agree on a payment plan.”
On his part, Chairman of TROMPCON, Eze Akuwueze Ikegwuruka, said they will continue to work with all government agencies to promote peace in the region for development to thrive
