From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, warned that fraudulent practices and violation of procurement laws in the Niger Delta Ministry would be met with appropriate sanctions.
This was even as he mandated the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Olufunso Adebiyi, to carry out a comprehensive staff audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure that right staffing and proper placement.
The president gave the warning at the opening ceremony of the management retreat organised by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs for its directorate staff and those of the NDDC.
Represented by Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, he said:“It is imperative to state that this retreat could not have come at a better time, post Forensic Audit of the NDDC, when all efforts are on board to reposition the commission for better service delivery in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Rules, the Financial Regulations and the Public Procurement Act. Accordingly, I would like to reiterate that, henceforth, fraudulent practices and violation of the procurement laws will be meted with appropriate sanctions as stipulated in the Public Procurement Act.”
Buhari expressed the optimism that the forum would address issues that enhances effective synergy between the Ministry and NDDC for the improved development of the Niger Delta region.
The retreat was expanded to include governors of oil producing states, chairmen of relevant committees of both the Senate and House of Representatives, oil companies, ministries, departments and agencies of government.