Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
On Wednesday, February 28, the Senate rejected a bill proposing the inclusion of Anambra as one of the states within the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Senator Tony Nwoye of Anambra state sponsored the bill titled “A Bill for an Act to amend the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act to make provision for the inclusion of Anambra State as one of the member states and for other connected matters thereto, 2024.”
In response, Nwoye argued that Anambra’s entitlement to membership in the NDDC States is justified by its receipt of 13% derivation since 2021, stemming from oil production within the state.
He countered opposing viewpoints raised by some senators, who highlighted that states like Kogi and Lagos, despite being oil-producing, are not included in NDDC operations.
Senator Jibrin Isah, also known as Echocho, underscored that the NDDC, by its designation, serves as a regional or geographical intervention body, rather than solely focusing on oil-producing states.
Nwoye emphasized to the Senate, “Anambra, as an oil-producing state, has been benefiting from a 13% derivation since 2021, signifying its rightful place within the operational purview of the NDDC.
Conversely, despite Kogi State’s designation as an oil-producing state, it has not received any 13% derivation.”
Senator Isah urged Senator Nwoye to confine his argument to Anambra State and leave the decision regarding his bill to the Senate.
He stated, “Senator Nwoye, respectfully, please refrain from involving Kogi State in your advocacy for Anambra State’s inclusion in the NDDC.
Kogi is also an oil-producing state and has been benefiting from a 13% derivation since October 2022.”
Upon intervention by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, it was highlighted that if Senator Nwoye’s argument for Anambra’s membership in the NDDC is accepted, then Lagos State, with two oil wells in Badagry, could also push for inclusion in the commission.
Furthermore, Senator Isah argued that if the NDDC is regarded as a regional interventionist body, Anambra State qualifies for membership due to its geographical proximity to the Niger Delta region.
Senate President Akpabio added that the National Boundary Commission should make the final decision on this matter.
However, during the plenary session, senators voted against the bill during a voice vote, resulting in its subsequent dismissal.
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