The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it has intensified efforts to conclude pending Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certification processes for 180 development projects across the Niger Delta region.
The Commission disclosed this during a meeting with Environmental Impact Assessment consultants at its headquarters, where officials outlined measures aimed at resolving long-standing certification challenges affecting projects awarded under the 2014, 2016 and 2022 fiscal years.
Director of Environmental Protection and Control at the NDDC, Mrs. Anthonia Akpan, said delays in obtaining environmental approvals and permits from the Federal Ministry of Environment had slowed project execution and affected communities expected to benefit from the interventions.
According to her, the Commission had made significant progress after formally appealing to the Federal Ministry of Environment for concessions to facilitate the clearance of outstanding EIA applications.
Akpan explained that the Ministry subsequently approved waivers and concessions, including in-house review processes, reductions in statutory charges and fees, and the issuance of EIA certificates for affected projects.
She further disclosed that the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, had introduced a new policy linking payment 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,” she said.
“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.”
Akpan stated that the directive was designed to promote accountability, ensure value for money and guarantee the timely completion of environmental assessment processes for projects executed by the Commission.
She also assured consultants that the NDDC management had resolved to settle all outstanding statutory obligations and fees required by the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure seamless procurement of EIA permits and certificates.
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 reforms introduced by the management regarding EIA processes for NDDC projects.
Abayisemore expressed confidence that the reforms would improve efficiency and ensure smoother environmental compliance procedures across the Commission’s operations.
Speaking on behalf of the consultants, the Coordinating Consultant, Mr. Daniel George, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step toward resolving backlog EIA projects within the Commission’s portfolio.
“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,” he said.