From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Northern Human Rights Coalition, has commended the efforts of the Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC)
in mitigating the effect of flooding arising from the activities of Hydro dams in the country.
The human rights group made the commendation at a conference held in Abuja, to critically, assess that performance of HYPADEC in the pat two years.
The group further announced its decision to cancel its planned protest against the managing director of HYPADEC, slated for December 6th 2022, due to what it described as an improved and satisfactory performance.
“This decision is hinged on the avalanche of evidence of the sterling leadership provided by Abubakar Yelwa since his appointment.
“We also inform members of the general public of our intention to continually monitor the operations of HYPADEC in the months and years ahead and make findings public in an objective manner such as this.
“This assessment was conducted to put issues in proper perspective regarding the impact the commission has had in the Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas in Nigeria.
“We wish to state that after an extensive assessment of the operations of HYPADEC, it was observed that the management of the commission, since its inauguration, has introduced laudable projects and policies that have positioned the commission to fulfil its mandate strategically.
“It is also a statement that HYPADEC has made numerous interventions in mitigating the effect of flooding arising from the activities of Hydro dams in the country. These interventions have been in Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Benue, Kogi and Plateau.
It said that Yelwa has displayed outstanding leadership in the commission’s affairs and has ensured that the strategic focus of the commission takes centre stage through the entrenchment of transparency and accountability using key governance indices.
“The leadership of HYPADEC also ensured that staff recruitment issues pass through a most transparent process that has seen the recruitment of some of the best hands in the country with an emphasis on the indigenes of member states.
“Staff welfare and remuneration have also been given adequate attention, which has necessitated the commission’s operational effectiveness in addressing the environmental and ecological challenges in member states.
The commission also has a staff reward mechanism that rewards outstanding staff members for discharging their responsibilities. This is buttressed by providing the necessary work tools and a conducive work environment for staff to carry out their jobs without encumbrances.
“The host communities in the various states have continually received interventions through a robust platform for interaction and feedback on issues affecting their livelihood sources.
On the heels of the above listed, we state that HYPADEC is a shining example of an intervention agency in Nigeria. Its impact in the last two years has been outstanding. Given stakeholders’ proper support, HYPADEC will most efficiently fulfil its operational mandate” it stated.
