Niger Delta Youths Rally Behind NCDMB Executive Secretary, Condemns Allegations Of Financial Misconduct -By Isaac Asabor

The Niger Delta Defenders (NDF), a prominent youth group in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, has issued a strong statement condemning the ongoing harassment of Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).  

The group claims that the relentless barrage of allegations against Ogbe is not only baseless, but also threatens to derail the NCDMB’s critical work towards the Federal Government’s local content policy objectives.

Engr. Emiko Omola, President of the NDF, spoke on behalf of the organisation and expressed deep concern about the “frivolous and unfounded allegations” levelled against Engr. Ogbe.  

He stated that these attacks endanger the significant progress made under Ogbe’s leadership and impede the implementation of critical initiatives aimed at increasing local participation in the oil and gas sector.  

Omola made it clear that the NDF will not tolerate any further attempts to discredit the NCDMB’s Executive Secretary.

The NDF’s statement comes after a recent online publication accusing the NCDMB of significant financial irregularities.

According to the report, N7 billion was spent on consultancy services and more than N580 million on a five-day training program in London, which included logistics and allowances.

The NCDMB has vehemently rejected these claims, describing them as “falsehoods, gross inaccuracies, and baseless inferences” in a strong press release.  

The board described the allegations as a “mischievous” attempt to harm Engr. Ogbe’s and the organization’s reputations.  It attributed the report to the actions of “disgruntled elements” and stated that legal action is being taken to correct the publication’s falsehoods.

The NCDMB defended its financial practices, stating that all expenditures are thoroughly vetted and approved in strict accordance with the Public Procurement Act 2007, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGICD) Act 2010, and other applicable regulations.  

The board’s consistent high rankings in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Compliance Report, as well as numerous awards for excellence in digital governance, demonstrated its unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability.

The NCDMB emphasised its commitment to its core mandate, assuring the public that the malicious allegations would not deter Engr. Ogbe from playing a critical role in advancing the board’s goals and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” 

The board reaffirmed its commitment to developing local capacity and empowering Nigerians in the oil and gas industry.

The situation highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges surrounding transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.  

The NDF’s unwavering support for Engr. Ogbe demonstrates the Niger Delta community’s strong interest in the NCDMB’s success, as well as the potential impact of these allegations on the region’s economic development.  

The ongoing legal proceedings will be closely monitored to determine the veracity of the allegations and the long-term impact on the NCDMB’s operations and critical role in Nigeria’s energy future.