By Nefishetu Yakubu
Niger Delta Youth Network (NDYN) said it has inaugurated a Project Monitoring and Accountability Committee to promote transparency, accountability and quality delivery of projects in the Niger Delta region.
NDYN also urged the Federal Government, the Senate President, National Assembly and Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) management to direct contractors handling projects across the Niger Delta region to return to the sites within 14 days.
In a statement on Friday in Abuja, the National President Scott Ogunseri said the initiative responded to the abandonment and slow pace of projects and infrastructure across the Niger Delta in spite of government funding.
He said the affected key projects included the Lokoja-Benin road, East-West road, Eleme road, and Ogoni-Eket road, among other strategic infrastructure projects across the region.
“These roads are economic lifelines for the Niger Delta and Nigeria. Their abandonment is unacceptable and poses serious security risks to our people.
“Niger Delta youths are not pleased with this development. We have waited long enough, and urgent action is needed now to address it,” Ogunseri said.
He appealed to the Senate President, being from the region, to use his good office to ensure that the appeal received immediate attention from NNPC.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda must be felt in the Niger Delta. NDYN remains a partner and will commend projects where work is ongoing.
“However, where there is abandonment and neglect, we will speak and act. NDYN will watch, document and report every development concerning these projects,” Ogunseri added.
He said the people deserved accountability and the region deserved development, adding that every kobo approved by the government for the Niger Delta must count(NAN(www.nannews.ng
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa