The Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has finally presented the report of the forensic audit into the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDCC) to the federal government.
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, made the presentation of the report to President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Akpabio noted that the forensic audit found about 13,700 abandoned projects, and that about 390 personnel from the army, police and civil defence were deployed in the audit.
In his overview, the lead forensic auditor, Kabir Ahmed, said 16 auditors participated in the 16 months exercise.
The auditors also suggested that among others, the downsizing of the NDDC board as a a part time rather than a full time appointment, recovery of $4 billion still with oil companies and review of the NDDC masterplan to make it binding for all development projects to be in line with the plan and on needs basis.
Malami said in his remark that the audit was set up by the president to make sure there is accountability in the approximately N6 trillion approved as budgetary allocation to the Niger Delta since the establishment of the commission.
He further stated that the federal government is set to apply the law to remedy the deficiencies highlighted in the audit report with cooperation between the Federal Ministry of Justice and other relevant ministries and agencies.