Business
A’Ibom Groups Seek Completion Of State’s Tenure In NDDC
Ibibo Community in Akwa Ibom State has urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to appoint an indigene of the state as substantive Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
A group of concerned indigenes of the area argues that the erstwhile Managing Director of the Commission, B arr Dan-Abia, spent only two years from his tenure before he was sacked.
The leadership of Ibibio socio-cultural group, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio noted that the Act, which set up the NDDC stipulated that every appointed leadership of the commission will hold office for a tenure of four years, which could be renewed, if necessary.
In an appeal, to President Buhari, the International President of the growth, Mr Monday Etokakpan, and the Secretary Mr James Edet, noted that while the president holds the authority to appoint any individual to manage government MDAs, indigenes from the oil-producing states which include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers were legally recognized as being board members to pilot affairs of NDDC.
We hasten to state here that we are not particular about the person of Barr Bassey Dan-Abia, as we may never know the reasons behind his replacement before completing the four year term for Akwa Ibom state but we however insist that his replacement should have been an indigene of Akwa Ibom state to allow the state run its fair and due tenure of four years in keeping with the extant law guiding the establishment and operations of the NDDC which had not been amended.
“Akwa Ibom has only utilized two years out of her four years as Barr Dan-Abia was appointed and sworn in December 2013. He was relieved of this appointment in December 21, 2015 and replaced by someone from Rivers State.”
Anything short of the above would leave Akwa Ibom State and people with the short end of the stick in a clear violation of the establishing Act in a democratic dispensation.”
The group emphasized the need for the president to permit indigenes of the state to complete the outstanding two year tenure as it is the due process stands.
“While Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio has no qualms whatsoever with President Muhammadu Buhari exercising his prerogative in effecting changes in strategic Ministries, Agencies, Departments, Commissions, and Parastatals as he deems fit in his government, we however have to bring it to the attention of the president that the provisions of schedule 3(1) – tenure of office in the NDDC Establishment Act 2000,” he added.
Chris Oluoh
L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Muslim Folami, Commissioner for Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde and Commissioner for Physical Planning, Mr Wasiu Anifowose, during a news conference on the demolition of Owonifari Market, Oshodi by Lagos State Government in Lagos recently.
The facility will be disbursed through participating Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), which will in turn extend the loans to their customers, particularly SMEs, as they directly interface with businesses at the grassroots level.
The Executive Director of COMCIN, Mr. Micheal Ogbaa who represented the Chairman, Dr. Iredele Oyedele (FCA, FCCA), said the initiative is designed to strengthen micro-lending institutions and expand access to finance for grassroots entrepreneurs, particularly women and youths in the informal sector.
Ogbaa explained that COMCIN does not lend directly to individuals but works through its network of microfinance and cooperative institutions, which in turn provide loans to end users.
“We came together to advocate for the microfinance ecosystem. Commercial banks often exclude people at the grassroots, but our members are positioned to reach them. This facility will empower them to do more,” he said.
He noted that the loan scheme offers low interest rates and flexible repayment plans, making it more accessible to small business owners.
According to him, about 90 percent of beneficiaries are expected to be women, who play a key role in sustaining families and driving economic activities at the local level.
“Our focus is on traders, service providers, and players in the informal sector. These are the real movers of the economy. By supporting them, we are strengthening families and contributing to national development,” he added.
Ogbaa disclosed that eligible SMEs with proven integrity and business track records could access up to N5 million each through participating micro-lending institutions. The rollout has commenced in Lagos and will extend to Abuja, Enugu, and other regions, including the South-West, South-East, and North-East.
He said 12 micro-lending institutions have already benefited from the scheme, while 85 applications are currently being processed under the pilot phase.
“Our target is to reach at least 100,000 SMEs nationwide. We are building a platform that connects funding partners with credible micro-lending institutions, creating a reliable channel for financial inclusion,” Ogbaa said.
He added that COMCIN is also working to attract larger funding pools from development finance institutions and private investors, noting that successful implementation of the pilot phase would boost confidence and unlock more capital for SMEs.
“We have seen encouraging testimonies from early beneficiaries. As we demonstrate transparency and efficiency, more institutions will be willing to channel funds through us,” he said.
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