Drama Unfolds in Senate as Anambra’s Bid to Join NDDC Faces Rejection

The Nigerian Senate witnessed mild drama as lawmakers dismissed a proposal to include Anambra State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Representative Tony Nwoye of Anambra South (LP) triggered the spectacle by proposing an amendment to the Niger Delta Development Commission Establishment Act, aiming to incorporate Anambra among the oil-producing states in the Niger Delta region.

Nwoye justified the move by highlighting that Anambra State had been allocated 14 oil wells by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission in 2021, receiving its share of 13% mineral derivation revenue since July 2022.

However, Senate President Godwill Akpabio clarified the unique nature of NDDC and NEDC, emphasizing their origin from oil spillage in the Niger Delta and insurgent destruction in the North East, respectively. He cited geographical constraints for states like Zamfara and Katsina, even in the face of challenges.

Akpabio added that investigation findings revealed non-oil-producing states like Lagos benefiting from the 13% derivation due to specific circumstances, while the swamp forests of Abia, Ondo, and Imo River were considered part of the NDDC.

Senator Seriake Dickson proposed revisiting the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) to encompass all producing states. A heated exchange between Tony Nwoye and Senator Isah Jibrin unfolded, prompting the Upper Chamber to request Nwoye to withdraw the legislation for further consultation.

Despite the plea, Nwoye stood firm, urging the Senate to exercise discretion. The matter was subjected to a voice vote, resulting in its rejection.