By Jimitota Onoyume

A group,NDDC Contractors , has enjoined multinational oil companies and others yet to comply with their financial obligation to the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to do , urging the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the Federal Inland Revenue Service to enforce the timely compliance.

The body in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday in Warri , Delta state, said the alleged delay and outright failures by some of the organizations were affecting the smooth operations of the commission , adding that they were causing contractors of the commission to go through what they termed ,” financial strain”.

The contractors said they would not hesitate to mobilize other stakeholders to join them in exploring legal options to compel the affected IOCs, and others to comply with the financial statutory obligations to the commission.

The statement signed by Joe Adia, Oghogho Uwede, Prince Victor Fakar, Friday Dollar, Janai Obot of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Legal Adviser Barr. Omowoma Ovririe and the president Sylvester Iyade , further stressed that the obligations are lucidly captured in the NDDC Act and the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.

The statement reads : ” The leadership of the Contractors Association of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) wishes to draw the urgent attention of the Federal Government, regulatory authorities, and the general public to the persistent non-compliance by certain oil and gas companies in the remittance of their statutory obligations to the Niger Delta Development commission.

“These obligations, as clearly provided under the Niger Delta Development Commission Act and the Petroleum Industry Act, are fundamental to the development, stability, and sustainability of oil-producing communities. It is deeply concerning that despite these clear legal provisions, several operators continue to delay, underpay, or outrightly default in meeting their financial responsibilities. The direct consequences of this include: delays and abandonment of critical infrastructure projects, Mounting financial strain on contractors executing government-backed projects, growing frustration and unrest among host communities.

“The Contractors Association has, in the interest of peace and stability, exercised considerable restraint while engaging relevant stakeholders through lawful and constructive channels. However, the continued disregard for statutory obligations is no longer sustainable. We therefore call on the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and all relevant authorities to urgently conduct a comprehensive audit of oil companies’ statutory obligations, enforce full compliance without further delay, implement transparent mechanisms to ensure timely and accurate remittances.

“We also urge all defaulting oil companies to act responsibly and in good faith by fulfilling their obligations as required by law.While we remain committed to dialogue and peaceful resolution, we wish to state clearly that failure to address these concerns within a reasonable timeframe may leave stakeholders with no option but to explore all lawful means to protect their interests and ensure accountability.

The development of the Niger Delta is a collective responsibility that must not be compromised.”