The Niger Delta Indigenous Contractors Association (NDICA) has threatened to take legal action against the International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the Niger Delta region for not adhering to the stipulated rules in remitting the 3% dues to the Commission.

The group regretted that the situation has delayed the implementation of some vital projects across the region.

The group also called on President Bola Tinubu to exempt the NDDC from the Treasury Single Account (TSA). That is, to enhance the speedy execution of projects in the region.

The President of NDICA, Dressman Darlinton, in a statement made available to The Guardian, said there was an urgent need for the President to prevail on the IOCs to fulfil their responsibilities to the interventionist agency. While he works out modalities for the NDDC to be exempted from the TSA.

Dressman further applauded President Tinubu for appointing technocrats and men of character to the NDDC board, adding that their expertise and integrity have undoubtedly played a crucial role in steering the NDDC towards its objectives and goals.

“It is through their leadership that Niger Delta has seen positive developments and progress within the region,” he said.

“While we reflect on the outcomes of the summit, it is evident that there is still much work to be done to address the challenges facing the Niger Delta region. In this regard, we call on Mr. President to consider exempting the NDDC from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system. Such an exemption would enable the NDDC to operate more efficiently and effectively, thereby enhancing its performance and impact on the region.”

Also, a stakeholder of the association, Kelvin Gigi, urged the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and ecological funds to remit their contributions and monies due to the NDDC promptly.

He said these funds are essential for the NDDC to carry out its mandate and implement crucial projects that will benefit the people of the Niger Delta region.

“As a concerned association, we will not hesitate to institute legal action against the IOCs if, at the end of August this year, they refuse to remit their dues to the Commission. It is very clear that contractors are owing the Commission because of the inability of the oil majors to pay their dues to the Commission,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dressman urged the NDDC to see the prioritisation of payment of contractors, the award of signature projects of high importance to the region. And also the mobilisation of contractors for the timely execution of vital projects as essential for the sustainable development and prosperity of the Niger Delta region. (The Guardian)