The Tragedy of a Region

The first insight into the forensic audit on NDDC is mind-boggling, but not totally unexpected. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/07/nddc-abandoned-projects/ The preponderance of profligacy in this agency over the years is horrendous. With N1-Trillion Naira allocated to NDDC since June 2000 (aside the N10-Trillion allocated to the States for 13% derivation), one would have expected to have seen the transformation of the region much further. Sadly, as with many other interventions for the region over the years (e.g., OMPADEC), there is little on the ground to show for the huge sums allocated. What further saddens is that indigenes of the region hardly demand accountability from managers of these agencies and their States, and have instead adopted a “siddon-look” attitude. In addition, the near graveyard silence of the region’s elites raise question if this is a reflection of Prof Lumumba's cliche of “Yes, he is a thief, but he is ours, so leave him alone". The forensic audit finding reminds me of my time working for an oil company in Warri in the 90s (the story is in my book, “storeroom to boardroom”). The company agreed with a host community to build a school. To ensure value, two contracts were awarded – one for materials, and other for labor, assigned to the community so local labor would be used. Community nominated a chief to coordinate. Few weeks later, supplier of materials came to my office with the chief. He had been accosted after his first delivery, and instructed not to supply any more materials. Rather, the chief told him to bring his waybill to be signed that all materials had been received, after which supplier could submit his invoice. He was then expected to remit 80% of payments to the chief and retain 20% without supplying materials to build the school. The supplier was concerned but as he was being threatened, he appealed to the chief to accompany him to the company. I was shocked as the chief calmly confirmed the story and insisted that community’s preference was to collect and share the money, rather than to build a school. I escalated the issue to my bosses and the company had to get the government to intervene to enable the school to be built, but this led to a frosty relationship with the community for a while. This was not an isolated case as there are several similar stories in the interactions of companies with host communities in the region. The forensic audit accentuates the challenge in the region which has been undermining its development. This is why the real challenge for the region is not that of the quantum of allocated revenue but one of vision, genuine leadership and accountability. If the region has not been able to utilize the 13% derivation and NDDC allocations to transform, then the likelihood is low that any of the bandied additional allocation in the PIB (3%, 5% or 10%) will be utilized well to make a difference, as without systemic changes in governance, accountability and civic responsibility by indigenes, it will simply be blowing in the wind. The more important focus for the region (and nation) in addition to growing the size of the revenue (diversifying, knowledge economy, stable environment) is the proper utilization of what is earned/allocated. The region’s elites should set up accountability forums or NGOs to trace all monies coming to the region and demand for its proper use proactively not after the horse has left the barn. The youths should organize themselves through social media to engage and demand accountability. The region’s leaders should develop 25-50 year transformation master plans, that successive governors or administrators should follow and ensure sustained implementation irrespective of political party affiliations. Whilst this forensic audit has been long in coming, kudos to the President and Minister for insisting on it. The hope will be that on its conclusion, it would enable deeper systemic changes to be implemented and also enhance accountability, so that the required and long overdue transformation of the region, can really be delivered.

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