Ex-Reps Member Demands EFCC Probe Into NCDMB’s Multi-Million Naira Investments

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Israel Sunny-Goli, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board’s (NCDMB) investments worth millions of naira.

In a letter to the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Sunny-Goli called for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution regarding the disbursement of funds for three projects: the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Limited, the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, and the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited.

Sunny-Goli, who represented Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency in the 9th Assembly, is seeking accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. The EFCC has been urged to leave no stone unturned in uncovering any potential corruption or mismanagement of resources.

The former lawmaker who said all the projects are situated within the precinct of Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State noted that the investments were undertaken during the tenure of the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr Simbi Kesiye Wabote.

According to him, NCDMB had a total equity contribution of $200million in the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical project which was conceived to establish two trains of 5,000MTPD methanol plants and one train of 500Mscf per day processing plant and associated infrastructure to be sited in Odioma, Brass Island Bayelsa State.

For the Atlantic Refinery project, he disclosed that full investment of $35million was made for the project which was expected to be a 2,000 bdp modular refinery with a jetty facility and a 2MW power plant and a duration of 24 months completion at the Brass Free Trade zone (FTZ).

Sunny- Goli stated further in his petition that also included for probe is the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited which NCDMB’s investment was for the establishment of a 50 million-litre facility with a two-way product jetty, automated storage tanks and loading bay in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

He expressed sadness that the current state of the three projects is nothing to write home about as it is now surrounded by uncertainty and a sense of gloom.

Sunny-Goli pointed out that the projects are well-meaning and could provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths and also increase the revenue of the government.

“To ensure that our great nation is not shortchanged, and our teeming unemployed youths denied gainful employment opportunities in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, I hereby request that your commission immediately institute a thorough investigation into the projects listed above and prosecute without delay anyone found culpable in the event of misappropriation of funds” he said.

The former Executive Secretary of the Board, Simbi Wabote had recently waved off all allegations of wrong-doing noting that in August 2023 he had led NCDMB management to the two Ministers of State Petroleum where a presentation of more than 250 slides was made to provide information on all the Board projects, partnership, intervention funds, forensic audits, HCD programs, TSA account balance.

A source in NCDMB said there is nothing strange in EFCC probing the investments, noting that a thorough investigation will exonerate the Board of any wrongdoing.

(Daily Sun)