The House of Representatives has taken action to investigate Smith Engineering Company Limited over allegations of non-completion of a N3.2 billion contract that had been awarded to them by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) back in 2016.
This resolution was reached following the adoption of a motion focused on the urgency to complete the Shore Protection Project located in Ibeno Local Government Area and several other NDDC projects that were left abandoned in the Eket/Onna/Esit-Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.
The House underscored that the contract was originally valued at N3.29 billion, with an initial payment of N1.64 billion, representing 50% of the contract sum, already disbursed to the contractor. This disbursement was intended to facilitate the commencement of the project.
In light of these developments, the House has entrusted its NDDC Committee with the critical responsibility of ensuring the timely completion of the aforementioned project. The committee has been directed to furnish a comprehensive report within four weeks, which will pave the way for further legislative action on this matter.
This move by the House of Representatives marks a crucial step in addressing concerns surrounding unfinished NDDC projects, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in government contracts.