Concerned Niger Delta Group Urges President Tinubu to Intervene in NCDMB’s Internal Affairs

A Niger Delta-based group, the Concerned Niger Delta Group (CNDG), has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the internal affairs of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), citing concerns over the alleged interference of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lopkobiri.

In a statement by CNDG President Trueson Ogiri, the group expressed concerns about a recent heated dispute between the NCDMB’s Secretary, Omatsola Ogbe, and the Minister, over the issue of staff redeployment.

The group accused the Minister of meddling in the organisation’s internal affairs, particularly by interfering in matters that the NCDMB Secretary should handle.

The CNDG argues that the Minister’s actions undermine the NCDMB’s autonomy and independence, as the Secretary’s attempts to make staff changes based on merit and organisational needs have reportedly been overruled on several occasions.

The group also claims that the Minister has influenced the decision-making process by imposing his preferred candidates for specific positions without sufficient justification.

The NCDMB, which is responsible for enforcing policies that promote Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry, is seen as crucial to the country’s efforts to increase indigenous participation and economic growth.

However, the group believes that the Minister’s involvement in staff redeployment decisions could have negative consequences for the institution.

The group also highlighted that employees with the necessary qualifications and experience for key roles are being overlooked, causing demotivation and decreased productivity within the organisation.

They stressed the importance of the NCDMB’s decision-making processes being guided by competence, transparency, and adherence to established rules.

As the organisation responsible for regulating and developing local content in the oil and gas sector, the CNDG believes that any interference in the NCDMB’s internal affairs could hamper its ability to carry out its mandate effectively.