EFCC pledges more recovered funds to NDDC, inaugurate new training centre in Bayelsa

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, has assured the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of the imminent release of additional funds recovered on its behalf, as part of efforts to strengthen the Commission’s developmental impact in the region.

Olukoyede gave the assurance on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Training Centre in Otuokpoti, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The EFCC Chairman also commissioned the new NDDC Bayelsa State office in Yenagoa, underscoring a deepening collaboration between the anti-graft agency and the development commission.

Describing the NDDC as a “renewed and transformed government agency,” Olukoyede stated that the EFCC would intensify efforts to recover outstanding statutory contributions owed to the NDDC by oil companies.

“We have made several recoveries on behalf of the NDDC, and we will not relent in this direction. We are encouraged by the fact that the NDDC is making the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Niger Delta and Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, praised the leadership of the NDDC for its unified approach to delivering on the development mandate handed down by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The NDDC is setting new standards for regional development. Other intervention agencies should emulate this example to deliver impactful projects across their regions,” Momoh stated.

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He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the National Assembly for enabling the Commission to function effectively.

Training Centre Marks Strategic Shift in Skills Development

Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, noted that the newly commissioned training centre reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to changing the development narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing states.

“We appreciate the support of stakeholders and state governments. Our priority remains to work collaboratively to ensure the Niger Delta achieves sustainable development,” Ebie said.

NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, highlighted that the Otuokpoti centre—built through a partnership with the EFCC using recovered funds—serves as a major step toward empowering youth and communities through vocational training and inclusive economic growth.

“The facility, which was completed in record time, accommodates up to 1,000 people and includes a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreation centre. This is part of our broader plan to roll out similar projects across the region,” Ogbuku said.

He confirmed that additional centres are under construction in Odi (Bayelsa), Patani and Ozoro (Delta), and two others in Rivers State, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, praised President Tinubu’s support for development in the Niger Delta and reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to ensuring oversight and accountability.

“Our goal remains to ensure that the NDDC fulfills its mandate and drives real, measurable change in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta,” he said.

Also speaking, NDDC’s Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, gave a project overview, explaining that the contract was awarded in 2023 and that the training centre’s comprehensive design was meant to serve both educational and emergency support functions.