CRISIS OF CSR IN NDDC

CRISIS OF CSR IN NDDC

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act of 2000 came into existence with much row after the then President Obasanjo declined assent as the legislators vetoed him and passed the bill after 30 days, through s.58(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

The purpose of the Act is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with funding for replenishment of values devastated by the activities of oil exploration in the entire area, and the development of their human and material resources.  It was borne out of years of agitation by victims and moral guilt on the part of governments, after many including the Ogoni nine had paid the supreme price.  The bone of contention was the reckless neglect of the goose that laid the golden eggs versus federal governments that earned $32.6 billion (2018) annual revenue from oil and taxes, accounting for about 65% of  the nation’s GDP.

Interpreting the purposes/causes of NDDC has become controversial as that depends on who you ask to interpret it. Recently the detailed interpretation has become more important than how the huge sums budgeted annually have gone to the realisation of the lofty ideals of development of the area. The other arm of the controversy is how evenly has the commission distributed the resources across the area?

To find answers to these numerous issues many different parameters have been applied i.e size of annual budget against the percentage of implementation; Contracts awarded and  awardees; what formula for distribution of palliatives and disbursements?  All these criteria and more could only be appreciated through the framework of accountability and transparency of operations.

The recent forensic audit called for by the presidency perhaps was induced by the need for accountability and transparency.  The Niger Delta Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio fired the first shot when he dropped the acting managing director, Joy Nunieh.  The allegations and counter allegations are not for discussion here, but it  triggered off serious eye-brows and publicity on NDDC which has operated several years without , audit of such dimension.

CSR is a management creation.  It is human idea of preserving the economy environment and the vulnerable.  The total budget of the commission since its inception in 2000 according to the presidency sources is ‘at least N15 trillion’.  What have the leaders in the commission achieved in those years with that sum?  Are they commensurate with the fund endowed with the institution?  These questions are not only on the lips of the President and his minister, NDDC Committee Members but also on the lips of concerned Nigerians who voted for their leaders to better their lots.

CSR is not perfect just as its human creator.  But it is a device that has become indispensable part of modern economy, wielding power and influence across the globe.  Accountability and transparency are critical to its survival.  Therefore the role of civil society in order to sustain it and avoid crisis is among other things, to ensure that disbursements go to avowed causes/purposes.

Iyke Ozemena Esq

Corporate Attorney/Consultant 

IKECHUKWU O. ODOEMELAM & CO

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