NCDMB: Call Lokpobiri to order, N-Delta group tells Tinubu

A Niger Delta based group, Concerned Niger Delta Group, CNDG, has appealed to President BolaTinubu to call the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lopkobiri, to order following his alleged interference with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, leading to significant challenges in the organisation.

President of CNDG, Trueson Ogiri, in a statement, referenced a recent concerns arising from an alleged heated dispute between the NCDMB’s Secretary, Omatsola Ogbe and the Minister, over the issue of staff redeployment, while accusing the latter of meddling in the organisation’s internal affairs, especially by interfering in matters that the NCDMB Secretary should handle.

According to the group, the Minister’s actions have raised questions about his motivations and the potential consequences for the institution. The NCDMB, which is in charge of enforcing policies that promote Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry, was viewed as critical to the country’s efforts to increase indigenous participation and economic growth.

Ogiri said that the Minister’s involvement in staff redeployment decisions undermines the NCDMB’s autonomy and independence, as the Secretary, whose role it is to oversee the organisation’s day-to-day operations, has reportedly been overruled in several instances when he sought to make staff changes based on merit and organisational needs.

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The group also accused Lokpobiri of influencing the decision-making process by imposing his preferred candidates for specific positions without sufficient justification.

The group argued that such interference undermines the NCDMB’s effectiveness and efficiency, as well as its ability to carry out its mandate effectively.

“Employees with the necessary qualifications and experience for key roles are reportedly being overlooked, causing demotivation and decreased productivity within the organisation.

“The NCDMB has a critical role in regulating and developing local content in the oil and gas sector, so its decision-making processes must be guided by competence, transparency, and adherence to established rules,” Ogiri added.