NCDMB speaks as coalition demands EFCC probe

The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance (CCSGG) has called for a thorough investigation into alleged financial misappropriation within the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The civil society group raised serious concerns over a reported 9.9 billion naira (approximately 6.6 million USD) allegedly misappropriated for consultancy services within the board.

At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the convener of CCSGG, Comrade Okpanachi Jacob, alleged transfer of a significant sum for consultancy services without the proper documentation or transparency.

He emphasised the need for swift action by EFCC.

Responding to the allegations raised by CCSGG, NCDMB issued a statement dismissing the claims as unfounded and recycled. The NCDMB described the allegations as “patently false” and emphasised that these were similar to accusations previously made by Sahara Reporters, which had been categorically denied by the board.

“The Board has observed the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and due process in its operations,” the statement read.

The NCDMB maintained that no such expenditure of 7.7 billion naira had been made for consultancy services, clarifying that S.B Capital Partners & Advisory Limited, the forensic auditing firm engaged by the board, was operating under a valid and ongoing contract for the recovery of unremitted deductions by oil and gas companies.

“There was no such expenditure of N7.7 billion naira by the Board for consultancy services,” the statement stressed.

The board also asserted that the strategic workshop referenced by CCSGG was an annual event held to align the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act among key ministries, departments, and agencies. According to the NCDMB, all expenses related to this workshop and other projects were conducted in accordance with approved financial and procurement guidelines.

Furthermore, the board emphasised its commitment to transparency, citing its recognition as the top-performing agency for transparency and efficiency by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) for three consecutive years.

“The allegations by some desperate individuals seeking to tarnish the board’s hard-earned reputation should be completely disregarded.

“The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) wishes to alert the general public that a sponsored group, masquerading as a coalition of civil society group for good governance are recycling the same bogus and unfounded allegations that were recently published against the operations of our agency by Sahara Reporters,” It said.