The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has appealed to International Oil Companies (IOCs) to pay the $700 million they owe the commission.

NDDC managing director Samuel Ogbuku made the appeal during a virtual media tour of the commission’s projects in the Niger Delta region and sensitisation engagement with media executives across the country.

Mr Ogbuku said the debt spanned more than 24 years.

He said that paying the debt would help the commission tackle the region’s enormous developmental challenges.

Mr Ogbuku said that the present NDDC’s board and management were genuinely committed to changing the region’s old narrative and perception of the commission.

“We are presenting a new NDDC that is dedicated to implementing several interventions aimed at enhancing and transforming the lives of the Niger Delta people.

“The completion and inauguration of previously abandoned legacy projects are a demonstration of our determination to build on the successes of past NDDC boards and correct their mistakes.

“However, for us to realise our objective of transforming the Niger Delta, we require the support of all stakeholders, including the IOCs,” Mr Ogbuku explained.

He also said that the NDDC board had adopted a triple ‘T’ (Transiting from Transaction to Transformation) strategy to actualise its regional mandate.

“We are very committed to ensuring that this time, NDDC truly makes a difference for the betterment of our people. The recent inauguration of five mega projects in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo and Ondo states is a testimony of the new passion with which the commission is delivering on its mandate,” the NDDC chief explained.

(NAN)