Edith CHUKU
In a deliberate move to tackle long-standing environmental approval delays, the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, has intensified efforts to finalise Environmental Impact Assessment EIA, certificates for 180 projects across the region.
The Commission revealed that it had recorded significant progress in resolving long-standing EIA certification issues affecting projects awarded in the 2014, 2016, and 2022 fiscal cycles.
NDDC noted that following a formal appeal submitted by the Commission to the Minister of Environment, the Ministry approved waivers and concessions to facilitate the close-out of all pending EIA applications.
It expressed dismay that the delays experienced in obtaining environmental approvals and certificates from the Federal Ministry of Environmental, had slowed down project delivery and negatively impacted communities expected to benefit from the projects.
NDDC revealed this during a meeting with EIA consultants at its headquarters, where it reaffirmed its commitment to conclude all pending EIA certification processes.
NDDC Director, Environmental Protection and Control, Mrs Anthonia Akpan, explained that the Commission sought the Ministry’s approval of in-house review processes, waivers or reductions of statutory charges and fees, and the issuance of EIA certificates for the affected projects.
The director further disclosed that the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, had introduced a new directive linking payment for EIA consultancy services to the successful procurement of EIA permits from the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Her words: “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.”
Akpan explained that the directive was aimed at ensuring accountability, value for money, and timely completion of environmental assessment processes for all the Commission’s projects.
She also assured consultants that the Commission’s Management had resolved to settle all outstanding statutory obligations and fees required by the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure the seamless procurement of EIA certificates and permits.
Earlier, the Deputy Director, Environmental Protection and Control, in charge of Ecological Monitoring, Mr Oscar Abayisemore, said the meeting was organised to communicate management’s reforms to the new EIA process to consultants handling projects for the Commission.
Abayisemore expressed optimism that the reforms would ensure smoother, more efficient EIA processes within the NDDC.
In his remarks, the Coordinating Consultant, Mr Daniel George, described the engagement as an opportunity to resolve several backlog EIA projects in the Commission’s portfolio, noting that the exercise would benefit the people of 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.”
