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Buhari Orders Criminal Investigation Into N6 Trillion Investment In NDDC For 19 Years

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5 years ago

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President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered criminal investigation into an approximated six trillion naira given to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) since 2001.

Recall that the President had ordered for a holistic
forensic audit of the activities of the Commission
from inception to August 2019 in response to the yearnings of the people of the Niger Delta region to reposition it for the effective service delivery.

Buhari gave this order Thursday in Abuja after receiving the final forensic audit report from the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

Represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, Buhari stated: “The Federal Government will in consequence apply the law to remedy the deficiencies outlined in the audit report as appropriate.

“This will include but not limited to initiation of
criminal investigations, prosecution, recovery of funds not properly utilized for the public purposes for which they were meant for amongst others.

“In all these instances of actions, legal due processes will strictly be complied with.”

According to the President, the forensic audit report willbe forwarded to the Federal miinistry of Justice for a legal review and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government will be engage in doing justice to the findings accordingly.

Buhari disclosed that, It is on record that between 2001 and 2019, the federal government has approved three trillion, three Hundred and Seventy five billion, seven hundred and seventy six thousand, seven Hundred and ninety ninety four naira, ninety three kobo as budgetary and two trillion, four hundred and twenty billion, nine hundred and forty million, and, eight hundred and ninety four thousand, one hundred and ninety one naira as income from Statutory and non Statutory Sources, which brings the total sum to six trillion naira given to the Niger Delta Development Commission.

He said it was also on record that the the execution of over 13, 777 projects in the oil rich region were substantially compromised.

Buhari noted that the Federal government is also concerned about multitudes of Niger Delta development commission’s bank accounts amounting to 362 and lack of proper reconiliation of accounts.

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He stated that the call for the audit by the people of the Niger Delta Region arose from the huge gaps between resources invested in the region vis a vis the huge gap in infrastructural, human and economic development.

Buhari said he was not oblivious of the interest
generated by Stakeholders towards the forensic audit
exercise and the agitation for the constitution of the Board of the NDDC.

He went on: “However, this Administration is determined to address challenges militating against the delivery of the mandate of the NDDC to the people of the Niger Delta
Region.

“It is in the broader context of the foregoing developments that the i recently signed into Law the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which has been a contentious issue over the years for successive governments, to bring about the prudence and accountability in the Petroleum Sector and to give a sense of participation and ownership to the host communiues.”

According to him, the report on the forensic audit of the NNDC and recommendations will be critically analysed for necessary action and implementation.

“We owe it a duty to the people of the Niger Delta Region to improve their standard of living through the provision of adequate infrastructural and socio-economic development.

“The welfare and socio- economic inclusion of the Niger Delta Region is paramount to the development and security of the Region and by extension the country.

“Funds spent on development activities should as a consequence promote political and socio-economic stability in the Region,” Buhari added.

Earlier in his remarks, Akpabio disclosed that the auditors have concluded examination
and documentation of a total 13,777 contracts for
projects and programmes awarded to Contractors and consultants in all Niger Delta States from 2001-August 2019, at a total final contract value of N3,274.206,032,213.24.

According to Akpabio, the name and identity of a vast number of beneficiary companies were also captured as well.

His words: “Via Field Verification, the Forensic Auditors established the exact status of all contracts for proiects and programmes in all constituent states during the period under review classified into completed, ongoing, abandoned, terminated, taken-over and non-existence.”

The Minister disclosed that the auditors also focused on funding gaps, Irregularities, mismanagements and Due Proces Violations/Conflicts of lnterest.

He went on: “A Personnel Audit and Review of the governance and organisational structure of NDDC was also carried out. An
operational guideline/Manual and a fit-for-purpose organogram that would aid the transformation of NDDC to a globally competitive development agency has been developed as well.

“Available financial records of the commission were analysed with the aim of establishing the total amount of funds received by the Commission from all sources, both statutory and non-statutory and the total funds and other resources paid to contractors as well as the total amount outstanding as debts with regards to such projects within the period under reference.

“The Auditors have also provided policy recommendations, interms of measures that should be taken to ensure the prevention of such irregularities and mismanagement, going forward.

“With utmost respect Sir, I crave the indulgence of Your Excellency that after my speech, the Lead Forensic Auditors will present to you a quick summary of their Findings and Recommendations.”

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KANSIEC Chairman Advises Fruits Sellers Association to Modernize Business

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1 day ago

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September 12, 2026

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The Fruits Sellers Association, Kano State Chapter, has been advised to develop a strategic plan within a specific timeframe to modernize its business operations.

The Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, Professor Sani Lawal Malumfashi, gave the advice during a courtesy visit by members of the association to his office.

Professor Malumfashi stated that the fruit business anywhere in the world serves customers from all backgrounds, both rich and poor, due to the importance of fruits in food consumption.

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He maintained that the association should seek recognition across the three tiers of government in order to benefit from government policies and programmes.

The KANSIEC Chairman added that the present administration under the Executive Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is transforming Kano into a modern metropolitan city with many parks. He said fruit sellers should secure designated spaces around the corners of flyovers across the city.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Fruits Sellers Association of Nigeria, Kano State Chapter, Alhaji Safiyanu Abdullahi, said they visited KANSIEC to seek guidance on how to conduct free, fair, and peaceful elections within the association.

Bashir Habib Yahya
Media Aide to the KANSIEC Chairman
Date: 11/09/2026

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Breaking :Former PDP National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur Is Dead

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1 day ago

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September 12, 2026

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Former Chairman of the peoples Democratic party during Jonathan’s administration Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is dead .

A credible source in Yola the capital of Adamawa state informed Nigerian Tracker that Alhaji Bamanga Tukur passes on in Abuja.

The source said his body will later be conveyed to Yola the capital of Adamawa state for funeral at the palace of Lamidon Adamawa Alhaji Muhammad Barkindo .

 

Alhaji Dr. Bamanga Mahmud Tukur (CON) was a prominent Nigerian politician, businessman, administrator, and elder statesman who has had a towering impact on Nigeria’s socio-political and economic sectors for over six decades.

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He was widely recognized for his roles as the former Governor of the old Gongola State, the former Minister of Industries, and the former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Early Life and EducationDate of Birth: Born on 15 September 1935 in what is today Adamawa State, Nigeria.

Higher Education: He obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States.

Honorary Recognition: He was awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Honoris Causa) by Benue State University in Makurdi, Nigeria.

Traditional Titles: Reflecting his high regional and cultural status, he holds the distinguished traditional titles of Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye in Adamawa State.

Career in Public Service & Governance
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA):
Served as General Manager/Chief Executive from 1975 to 1982, managing port congestion and modernizing seaports.

Governor of Old Gongola State: Elected during the Second Republic in 1982, serving a brief term before the December 1983 military coup.

Minister for Industries: Served under General Sani Abacha’s military administration from 1993 to 1995.

Business and Continental Leadership Founder of BHI Holdings (Daddo Group),

Tukur expanded his economic influence across Africa:

Africa Business Roundtable (ABR): Founder, past president, and Life Patron.

NEPAD Business Group: Elected Chairman in March 2002.

International Maritime Stature: First African Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH)

PDP National Chairmanship (2012–2014)Elected PDP National Chairman in March 2012.

 

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Nigeria’s Oil Output Hits 1.573m bpd as OPEC Production Rises–Report Says

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2 days ago

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September 11, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Nigeria’s crude oil production, excluding condensate, rose by 35,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.573 million bpd in August 2026, from 1.537 million bpd in July, according to the latest data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The increase, representing a 2.3 per cent month-on-month (MoM) growth, places Nigeria among OPEC members that recorded higher production during the month.

OPEC, in its latest monthly data based on direct communication from member countries, said Nigeria’s August output was its highest monthly production level in the data provided for 2026.

The August figure also exceeded Nigeria’s average production of 1.552 million bpd in the second quarter of 2026, indicating a gradual improvement in upstream output.

The development comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government and oil producers to boost production through improved security, fresh upstream investments, new projects and the rehabilitation of existing assets.

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Across OPEC, crude oil production increased by 346,000 bpd to 24.081 million bpd in August, from 23.735 million bpd in July.

Iraq recorded the largest increase among OPEC members, with output surging by 664,000 bpd to 3.378 million bpd. Kuwait followed with a 49,000-bpd increase to 1.894 million bpd, while the United Arab Emirates added 54,000 bpd to reach 3.835 million bpd.

Venezuela also increased production by 23,000 bpd to 1.145 million bpd.

However, some major producers recorded declines. Saudi Arabia’s output fell by 75,000 bpd to 7.276 million bpd, while Algeria and Libya declined by 8,000 bpd and 9,000 bpd to 999,000 bpd and 1.355 million bpd respectively.

Iran recorded the largest decline, with production dropping by 399,000 bpd to 2.086 million bpd.

Beyond OPEC, total production by the broader OPEC+ group, comprising OPEC members and participating non-OPEC producers under the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC), rose by 297,000 bpd to 38.055 million bpd in August.

Within the non-OPEC DoC group, Kazakhstan increased production by 159,000 bpd to 1.807 million bpd, while Russia cut output by 160,000 bpd to 8.718 million bpd.

For Nigeria, the latest production increase could provide some relief to government revenue and foreign exchange earnings, given the continued importance of crude oil exports to the economy.

Nigeria has set a target of raising crude oil production towards three million bpd by 2030, making sustained increases essential to achieving the ambition.

However, the country still faces significant challenges, including ageing fields, infrastructure constraints, crude theft, funding difficulties and the need to attract new investment into the upstream sector.

The August performance therefore represents progress, but maintaining the upward trend will be crucial if Nigeria is to close the gap between current production and its ambitious 2030 target.

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