By Rhoda Godwin
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has stepped up efforts to conclude pending Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certification processes for 180 projects across the Niger Delta region.
Speaking during a meeting with EIA consultants at the Commission’s headquarters, the Director of Environmental Protection and Control, Mrs. Anthonia Akpan, disclosed that the Commission had made significant progress in resolving long-standing EIA certification challenges affecting projects awarded in the 2014, 2016, and 2022 fiscal cycles.
Akpan explained that delays in securing environmental approvals and certificates from the Federal Ministry of Environment had hindered project implementation and deprived benefiting communities of timely development interventions.
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She revealed that the Commission formally appealed to the Minister of Environment, leading to the approval of waivers and concessions aimed at facilitating the completion of all pending EIA applications.
According to her, the NDDC requested the Ministry’s approval for in-house review procedures, waivers or reductions of statutory charges, and the issuance of EIA certificates for the affected projects.
Akpan further announced that the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, had introduced a new policy linking payments for EIA consultancy services to the successful procurement of EIA permits from the Federal Ministry of Environment.
“Going forward, payment for EIA services shall only be made to consultants upon the successful securing of EIA permits from the Federal Ministry of Environment. This means that the final release of consultancy fees is now tied directly to the delivery of valid EIA certificates and permits for each project,” she stated.
She noted that the policy was designed to promote accountability, ensure value for money, and accelerate the completion of environmental assessment procedures tied to the Commission’s projects.
Akpan also assured consultants that the NDDC management had resolved to clear all outstanding statutory obligations and fees required by the Federal Ministry of Environment to guarantee seamless procurement of EIA certificates and permits.
Earlier, the Deputy Director of Environmental Protection and Control in charge of Ecological Monitoring, Mr. Oscar Abayisemore, said the meeting was organised to brief consultants on management’s reforms to the EIA process.
Abayisemore expressed confidence that the reforms would enhance efficiency and streamline environmental assessment procedures within the Commission.
Also speaking, the Coordinating Consultant, Mr. Daniel George, described the engagement as a timely intervention that would help resolve backlog EIA projects in the Commission’s portfolio.
He commended the initiative of the NDDC management and expressed optimism that the exercise would ultimately benefit communities across the Niger Delta region.
“We are happy for this opportunity and grateful for the initiative taken by the Managing Director through the EPC Department. This process will help us close out several outstanding EIA projects and ultimately benefit the people of the Niger Delta region,” George said.
