Response To Claims By Aggrieved Beneficiaries Of The Ministry Of Niger Delta Development Empowerment Program

For Immediate Release

Response To Claims By Aggrieved Beneficiaries Of The Ministry Of Niger Delta Development Empowerment Program

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,

The Ministry of Niger Delta Development notes the concerns expressed by some of the supposed beneficiaries of the 2023 Empowerment Programme. We understand the significance of timely disbursement and are committed to transparency and accountability in our operations. Here are the clarifications and the current status of the disbursement process:

1. Disbursement Delays: The delays in disbursement are due to technical issues with the payment portals, which were closed for the past three weeks. These issues have now been resolved, and the portals have just been reopened.

2. Role of the Minister: It is crucial to clarify that the Minister is neither the consultant nor the accounting officer of the Ministry. The Minister does not have access to the Ministry’s accounts and, therefore, cannot divert any fund. The role of the Minister is to grant approval which has long been done awaiting implementation which was delayed by the temporary closure of payment portal.

3. Consultants Responsibility: The consultants of the training programmes are in charge of disbursements, and they are waiting for their funds to be paid. Delays in payment to beneficiaries is attributed to this, and the consultants should be held liable if payments are not made by the end of the month at the latest since all procedures to pay them will be concluded by next week.

4. Commitment to Beneficiaries: We are fully committed to ensuring that all beneficiaries receive their entitled funds. Any further delay will be addressed promptly, and we assure all participants that their grievances are being taken seriously.

5. Political Allegations: We firmly deny any allegations that funds are being diverted for political campaigns in Edo State. The Ministry operates under strict financial regulations and any such diversion is both impracticable and illegal.
That thought is abusive imagination.

6. Request for Investigation: We welcome any investigation into the activities of the Ministry to reaffirm our dedication to transparency and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

We are proud to note that unlike in the past when trainings meant for Niger delta were either held in Nyanya or Kubua, all trainings this year under the current minister were held in the states of the region.

7. Future Actions: We assure the beneficiaries and the public that all necessary steps are being taken to expedite the disbursement process, now that the payment portal is opened. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period as it is not deliberate.

We appeal to the aggrieved beneficiaries to remain calm and refrain from actions that could disrupt the operations of the Ministry. Your concerns are valid, and we are working diligently to resolve this matter swiftly.

The Ministry of Niger Delta Development remains dedicated to the empowerment and development of the Niger Delta region. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

Special Assistant to the Minister

Minister of The Niger Delta Development