Politics
LAURETTA Onochie, chairman of the Niger Delta Development of Commission, NDDC, Governing BOARD has debunked report that the commission signed a $15 billion contract with Atlanta Global Resources Inc., United States firm for mega rail project.
Onochie made this known in a statement she issued on April 28, entitled: Re: $15 Billion(USD) MOU BETWEEN NNDC AND A US FIRM FOR MEGA RAIL PROJECT: A REFUTTAL”
The full statement reads:
“My attention and the entire Board’s have been drawn to a publication in some National dailies of the purported signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between a US firm, “Atlanta Global Resources Inc.” and the NDDC, whose Board I chair, for the “construction of a mega rail project across the Niger Delta, from Lagos to Calabar.” This was done without my knowledge and without the authorisation nor consent of the Board.
“Everything about this shady “MOU” is illegal due to the following reasons:
(a) By the act establishing the NDDC(Act No 6, of 2000), it is the Chairman of the board that is solely vested with the power to sign MOUs with any organisation.
“Part II of the NDDC Act, Section 8, sub sections (a) and (e), among other provisions, specifically state inter Alia;
The Board shall have power to:-
(a)manage and supervise affairs of the Commission,…
(e)enter into such contracts as may be necessary or expedient for the discharge of its functions and ensure the efficient performance of the functions of the Commission.
And the Supplementary provision of the Act as relating to the Board (Section 4, sub-section 1) clearly retains the Seal of the Commission in the Office of the Chairman.
“(b) The “US company”, Atlanta Global Resources Inc., has no expertise nor experience in any form of construction, let alone, Railway construction. This company is a Management and Export Consulting Firm is without known notable Directors.
“Thus, the signing of an MOU to the tune of $15 billion(USD) with such an organisation is not only suspect but dubious.
“(c) The Federal Executive Council (FEC), having recognised the importance of infrastructure in the Niger Delta region had awarded the Contract for the same project in 2021 at the sum of $11.7 billion for the construction of a Mega railway from Lagos to Sagamu, Sagamu to Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Ode to Ore, Ore to Benin City, Benin-City to Sapele, Sapele to Warri, Warri to Yenogoa, Yenegoa to Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt to Aba, Aba to Uyo, Uyo to Calabar, Calabar to Akamkpa and to Ikom, Obudu Ranch with branch lines from Benin-City to Agbor, Ogwashi-Uku, Asaba, Onitsha and Onitsha Bridge and then Port Harcourt to Onne Deep Sea Port.
“It is shocking that after the FEC, the highest ruling body in the country, had done this, that anyone would be signing an MOU on behalf of the NDDC and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the same project in 2023 without due process nor approval by the FEC in the twilight of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
“The same clumsy, shady and hazy transactions of the past in NDDC, that had bedevilled and stultified identifiable progress in the past, was rested with the “Forensic Audit” and the Inauguration of a New Board, with the Sanitisation of the Commission as its mantra. However, old habits die hard. And some individuals (within and without the Commission) still retain the retrogressive mindset that has held the Commission down for the past 22 years. We cannot remain in the old dubious path.
“The Present Board is set on Transparency, Equity, Justice and Equality, and ready to midwife and embrace other policies and programmes that would uplift and improve the lives of the good people of Niger Delta. With dilligence, perseverance, persistence and commitment, this Vision would come to pass.
“We, therefore, call on all our partners in this quest – CBN (TSA), The National Assembly, Our nine States’ Governors (Advisory Board), etc., to take note.
“Epilogue: NDDC has not and could not have signed an MOU, worth $15 billion (USD) without the Board and FEC’s approval.
“The so-called MOU signed with Atlanta Global Resources Inc. “AGRI”, is hereby disowned by the Board and declared null and void.”
The disownment notwithstanding, the NDDC inundated by such enquiries too from many people. For those who do not know, it’s easy to conclude that we have already signed an EPC contract. That is not the case here.
The commission explained that AGRI is a company that is into arrangements ie the pulling together of resources viz, financing, engineering, hardware production, procurement management etc. They came recommended by the US Export-Import Bank especially for the deployment of US produced locomotives.
All we signed is a basic MOU with them to commence the preliminary processes of feasibility and viability of the rail projects. No Agreement on details yet at all, it said, adding: “After the preliminary studies, will come the finance appraisals and then the civil engineering procurements and the locomotive hardwares.
“Many things will be involved at a level akin to the NLNG train 7.
“EPC contractors and hundreds of other international consultants. The ICRC and NRC as well as the Ministry of Transport will be hugely involved.
“Lastly, sovereign guarantees are a must. Only the FG can grant that with the approval of the NASS.”
“The other day signing is simply the opening phase that will determine how far we will go but it definitely showcases how interested the International Partners are in tapping into the Niger Delta region and I dare say, they are swarming in, in droves. I see a bright and prosperous Niger Delta from the prism of the PPP.
“Finally, everyone knows that beginning process doesn’t determine the final outcome. But our going public and celebrating little success is what is attracting bigger investors and interest. Out of ten, one or two might be successful to the benefit of the region. If it doesn’t cost us anything, I think there is no harm in giving these proposals a try.”
A.
Tags: LAURETTA Onochie NDDC
