The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, has proposed a formalised partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at establishing operational standards, enhancing accountability, and curbing corruption.
Aliyu made the proposal during a courtesy visit by the NDDC’s Executive Management Committee, led by Managing Director Dr Samuel Ogbuku, to his office in Abuja.
Details of the meeting were contained in a statement released on Thursday in Port Harcourt by NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Aliyu stressed that if any federal agency needed improved transparency mechanisms, it was the NDDC—given the size of its budget and the scale of its projects. He said the ICPC was eager to work with the Commission to reinforce its governance structure and implement preventive measures to reduce financial leakages.
“This is important because it can be difficult to recover the proceeds of corruption due to the nature of our court processes,” Aliyu said.
He noted that the ICPC would also contribute through public enlightenment and educating the public on peace, transparency, and accountability.
Aliyu emphasised the importance of cooperation in projecting a positive image for Nigeria, pointing out that corruption significantly damages the country’s reputation.
He called for the anti-graft agency to be incorporated into the NDDC’s governance framework to align with global best practices, expressing confidence that collaboration would help combat corruption more effectively.
He also praised the NDDC Managing Director for transforming the agency’s fortunes and urged all citizens to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration by helping uphold Nigeria’s integrity.
Responding, Dr Ogbuku thanked the ICPC for its assistance in recovering funds for the Commission, noting that the two agencies have built a longstanding relationship.
He highlighted the NDDC’s achievements in infrastructure, social welfare, and service delivery, adding that partnerships have proven the fastest means to realise project goals. He cited the Ogbia-Nembe Road, the Warri-Escravos Road (in partnership with Chevron), and the Okrika Ring Road (in collaboration with NLNG) as examples.
According to Ogbuku, the Commission has recently delivered numerous key projects across the region and expanded its foreign scholarship programme. He said the NDDC now includes international oil companies and Niger Delta governors in its budget process—significantly reducing tensions between the Commission and state governments.
He assured that the NDDC undertakes needs assessments before launching any project, adding that such assessments inspired initiatives like “Operation Light Up the Niger Delta,” which has had a positive impact on security and economic life in affected communities.
“The next phase of this large-scale, people-oriented programme is the provision of potable drinking water, as many communities still lack access. Alongside this, we are pushing forward with major infrastructure projects, in line with President Tinubu’s directive to complete all abandoned projects,” Ogbuku stated.
