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Towards the Depoliticising of Forensic Audit on NDDC

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Tax officials at NDDC headquarters

By Obiaruko Christie Ndukwe

The Niger Delta people will, for a long time, remain wholeheartedly grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for the immense goodwill he has shown to the good people of the oil-rich but a beleaguered region, through the various projects and programmes aimed at the total development and emancipation of the Niger Delta region.

We must acknowledge the concerted effort towards the completion of the East-West highway, the reintroduction of the Petroleum Industry Bill (P.I.B) to the National Assembly, the construction of the national headquarters of the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in the heart of the Niger Delta region, the monumental Bonny-Bodo road project, as well as the move to reposition the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) through the institution of a forensic audit of the commission, just to mention but a few of the projects and programmes which has definitely put the region on the spotlight and assures that the region is on a steady path of growth and development as well as liberation from the clutches of entrenched stagnation and backwardness which has kept the region utterly underdeveloped and abandoned, over the decades.

While we are grateful for this effort, we emphasise that there is still a vacuum and a yearning, to do more for further development of the Niger Delta region.

Certainly, when the recap of events that made news in 2020 is done, one of the stories that will easily come to mind is the much-publicised probe of the NDDC by the National Assembly and for sure, a lot of people will love it, not just because it is a sordid and seamy commentary on the Niger Delta struggle, but mainly because recent events have exposed, albeit inadvertently, that whole exercise for what people have always termed it; a terrible, terrible entertainment.

The very sight of the Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Prof. Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei losing his breath before the glaring cameras of national and international television should, ordinarily evoke solemnity and somewhat of sadness at the near loss of life, in the course of dedication to national service but this will be reduced further down the slope of horrific spectacles when the cardinal issues that gave rise to that probe, which includes the forensic audit ordered by President Buhari on NDDC, is discovered to have been highly politicized, and designed to be poorly executed, by high calibre politicians, seeking with a highway exit ramp out of the impending expository series which the forensic audit is sure to kickstart.

Needless to say, even party chieftains from both sides of the frontline political divides in the country sought to nail the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, rather than live to see the exercise succeed.

Many a group who stood in the gap, intent and determined to brave the odds to ensure that NDDC does not fail in the mandate given to it as a creation of law, to salvage the Niger Delta from environmental degradation and entrench a developmental ideology, will be at a loss and in utter consternation at the sudden twist of fate.

It is sad that the NDDC, which some civil society and advocacy groups of goodwill fought to defend and liberate from the jackals and hyenas, has become a prisoner of sorts, to what looms the selfish interest of a selected few.

It does appear that the collective heritage of the entire Niger Delta region, comprising nine states (Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross-River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers) have become the estate of not just the National Assembly members (especially principal officers and members of National Assembly Joint Committee on NDDC), but also of the NDDC management and senior staff as well as the Ministry of Niger Affairs!

The sordid tales of the rape of the Niger Delta has dominated the National discourse, this year, 2020 and has sadly not taken even a casualty, because the dramatis personae of this tragicomedy have insisted on a political solution, rather than a humanitarian approach to the issues raised, whereby the people of Niger Delta will have a breath a fresh and for once in a long time, benefit from their Natural endowment, which is the oil at their backyard. It is so sad to note that in December 2020, the budget details for the 2020 budget of the NDDC has neither been approved by the National Assembly nor released to the commission. What this means is that the Commission is technically grounded and unable to function effectively or even meet up with its expectations to the Niger Deltans.

As though that is not enough setback, to a beleaguered people, reports have it that the much talked about the forensic audit on the account of NDDC, from inception till date, is gradually becoming a reality, that paucity of funds has been programmed to frustrate the development of the region under Buhari, through the non-release of the 2020 budget details of the NDDC by the National Assembly.

The target could be to ensure that the commission engages in extra-budgetary spending, or rather, unbudgeted expenditure, so as to have a reason to nail the forensic audit report and make it stillborn.

This is because the key perpetrators of these shenanigans have concocted allegations against the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs saying that he is clearly being browbeaten into shielding his friends and associates, as well as cronies and fellow party men from being exposed by the audit, through the careful removal of files containing their shady deals and bloated cum unexecuted but fully paid projects, from the records of the commission, thus making it impossible for the forensic auditors to unmask the pillagers and looters for who they truly are. On the other hand, they expect that he should kill, completely, the whole idea of a forensic audit.

It will be a profanity of the anti-corruption stance which Mr President professes if this onslaught by people obviously determined to thwart the goodwill of Africa’s celebrated anti-corruption crusader towards the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

Those bent on frustrating the efforts of the Minister for the sake of hijacking the treasury of the commission to feather their nests towards the 2023 elections had succeeded in crippling the activities of the last interim management committee, under Prof Daniel K. Pondei while plotting a careful takeover of the affairs of the commission through a list of surrogates as members of the substantive board of directors, albeit illegal and skewed.

It may not be common knowledge for those who are ignorant of the behind-the-scene happenings at the commission that for over four months, the NDDC has had its accounts frozen and a lien placed on the said accounts, deliberately forcing the oil and gas companies to pay their statutory 3% and 5% commission into a special account named EFCC/NDDC instead of the NDDC account domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

While the yearly federal allocation dropped from N80 billion to N45 billion and exhausted within five months on payment of contractors, foreign scholarships amongst others; the commission became cash-strapped as a highly placed principal officer of the Nigerian Senate in active connivance with the longest-serving member of staff of the commission, wrote petitions to the EFCC and ICPC, forcing the anti-corruption agencies to move against the IMC.

In a rather unfortunate twist, instead of commencing investigations while allowing the commission to function, the EFCC has simply halted payment of contractors

Thus, there is an urgent need to address this impasse before it snowballs into a national embarrassment as the ex-agitators in the region have begun threats to stall the flow of oil through the pipelines. The damage to the economy cannot be imagined if the situation is not nipped in the bud.

Obiaruko Christie Ndukwe is the President of Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative, Abuja

Obiaruko Christie Ndukwe

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Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

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Firas Jadalla Genetec

By Firas Jadalla

Effective collaboration between security operators, teams, and other departments is essential for the smooth functioning of any organization. However, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes increasingly challenging for teams to coordinate. Factors such as staffing shortages, high turnover rates, and outdated collaboration tools exacerbate these challenges.

When staff rely on multiple disconnected tools for dispatch, reporting, and task tracking, operations often become fragmented, leading to delays and gaps in communication. In critical areas like safety and security, these inefficiencies can have serious consequences.

Work management solutions bridge these gaps by managing, tracking, and documenting activities, streamlining processes, and fostering real-time collaboration. Built specifically for security teams, these solutions enhance communication, boosts productivity, and improves overall operational efficiency through workflow automation.

Organizations in Africa and the Middle East operate in high-security environments where seamless collaboration is essential. A robust work management platform enables swift response and coordination across complex operational landscapes.

This growing need for integration is driving more organizations to align their security and IT departments. According to a recent Genetec report, 78% of end users in the META region indicate that these departments now work collaboratively, reflecting a shift toward a more unified security approach.

Overcoming barriers to effective collaboration

Over time, many organizations accumulate a patchwork of databases, spreadsheets, and standalone systems to communicate, create reports, and track activities. Some still rely on outdated paper-and-pen processes, which aren’t only time-consuming but also prone to errors. These disjointed methods hinder information sharing and coordination.A digital work management platform consolidates these fragmented systems, offering teams a unified view of activities accessible on both desktop and mobile devices. To take full advantage of their security system data, security teams need to consider more than a generic work management solution.

An ideal work management solution for security teams should accommodate security activities such as guard tours, patrols, and maintenance inspections. It should also seamlessly integrate with existing security systems. For instance, a video operator should be able to create a work request with an attached camera snapshot and route it to the appropriate team in just a few clicks. To ensure trustworthy audits and reporting, the work management system should be built with strong cybersecurity measures and ensure that data can’t be manipulated after the fact by applying blockchain principles.

Benefits of work management systems

Implementing a work management system can transform security operations in several ways:

  • Improved Communication: Teams gain real-time visibility into task progress, responsibilities, and pending assignments. Updates and alerts can be shared seamlessly to request assistance or provide situational awareness.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Every team member contributes to shared goals rather than isolated tasks. Custom API integrations can connect with other systems, such as employee apps, further fostering teamwork.
  • Time Savings: Built-in reporting tools automate activity logs and compliance audits, freeing up time for other critical tasks.
  • Operational Efficiency: Routine tasks, incident management, and resource tracking are streamlined. Tasks are assigned to personnel with the appropriate skills, tools, and knowledge, ensuring readiness and precision.
  • Workflow Automation: Automations simplify recurring tasks, such as setting reminders, generating reports, or notifying team leads when new requests are added.
  • Resource Optimization: Features like work ticketing and asset management enable efficient resource allocation and management of internal and external requests.
  • Mobile Support: Field officers benefit from mobile apps that enhance situational awareness, communication, and access to standard operating procedures on the go.

Today, governments in Africa, for instance, are heavily investing in smart security solutions as part of their national digital transformation strategies. A centralized work management platform not only supports these efforts but also helps businesses align with evolving security regulations, ensuring compliance and streamlining reporting processes.

Tips for successful implementation

Every organization has unique workflows, so selecting a customizable work management system is crucial. It’s important to choose a solution that’s customizable and intuitive to minimize the need for extensive training.Integration is another key factor.

A platform that deeply integrates with your existing security ecosystem provides a cohesive view of operations and eliminates the need for manual data transfers or redundant processes.A well-designed work management system can break down silos, empower teams, and boost efficiency. To ensure a successful deployment, adopt a lean and agile approach: start small and gradually incorporate more features as your team becomes comfortable with the platform.

With initiatives like Kenya’s Konza Techno City, Nigeria’s Eko Atlantic City and Abuja Centenary City, organizations are increasingly integrating AI-driven security and IoT-enabled monitoring into their operations. A work management platform with automation capabilities supports these advanced security frameworks.

Firas Jadalla is the regional director for Middle East, Turkey & Africa at Genetec Incorporated

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From Struggle to Stability: How FinTech is Helping Nigerian SMEs Overcome Cash Flow Challenges

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From Struggle to Stability

When Mrs Agbaje started her school in Ibadan twelve years ago, she didn’t envision a tech-enabled future. Her dream was simple—provide affordable, quality education to children in her community. For the most part, she made it work. But as the school grew, a new challenge took root. It wasn’t infrastructure. It wasn’t teacher retention. It was something far more basic: getting paid.

Each new term brings the same pattern. Parents promise to pay fees “by next week.” Some follow through. Many don’t. As the term wears on, Mrs Agbaje finds herself juggling spreadsheets, reminder texts, and awkward conversations in car parks or at school gates. Meanwhile, salaries must be paid, books restocked, diesel bought. More often than not, she dips into personal savings to keep things running.

Her story is common across Nigeria. Small businesses—whether they’re schools, salons, logistics firms, or cooperative groups—are constantly navigating the emotional and financial toll of delayed payments. And it’s not just a matter of inconvenience. A recent study by MacTay Consulting found that Nigerian SMEs wait between 60 to 120 days on average to receive payment for services or products already delivered. That kind of delay is more than a hiccup. It threatens livelihoods. It blocks growth. It’s a silent killer.

For Chuks, who runs a car hire service in Enugu, the issue is tied to his bigger corporate clients. They insist on “net 30” or “net 60” terms—industry-speak for “we’ll pay you in a month or two.” That might be manageable for a large fleet with strong cash reserves, but for someone like Chuks, every week matters. With fuel prices rising and maintenance bills stacking up, he’s often forced to park cars because he doesn’t have the cash to fix them—even when work is lined up.

What links these stories is the reality that small businesses operate in a system where money is constantly in motion but rarely on time. Customers often mean well, but their own financial instability creates a domino effect. And the existing tools to manage payments—handwritten ledgers, POS machines, WhatsApp reminders—were never designed for structure. They’re patched solutions to a systemic problem.

Even digital banking, for all its advancement in Nigeria, hasn’t solved this issue. Many SMEs still operate informally, managing finances through personal bank accounts or apps not tailored to business needs. The result is a messy web of follow-ups, reconciliations, and emotional strain. Business owners become debt collectors, chasing down what they’ve already earned, time and time again.

What’s often missed in conversations about entrepreneurship is just how deeply this problem cuts. Payment delays mean rent can’t be paid on time. It means holding off on hiring a new staff member, or letting go of a part-time assistant. It means saying no to growth opportunities, not because they’re not viable, but because the cash flow isn’t predictable enough to take the risk.

And when you zoom out, the implications are national. Small businesses make up over 90% of enterprises in Nigeria. They contribute nearly half of the country’s GDP and employ a significant portion of the workforce. Yet, their greatest enemy isn’t market competition—it’s irregular income. This is a structural inefficiency that deserves far more attention than it gets.

Slowly, however, change is beginning to show. A quiet revolution is underway—one where technology is stepping in not as a trend, but as a tool for financial stability. More SMEs are beginning to explore digital solutions that streamline payments and reduce friction between businesses and customers.

Among these solutions is PaywithAccount, a new tool launched by Nigerian fintech company OnePipe. Designed specifically for businesses with recurring payments—schools, cooperatives, service providers—it allows them to automate collections directly from customers’ bank accounts. With full consent and transparency, payments can be scheduled, reducing the need for repeated follow-ups or awkward reminders.

For Mrs Agbaje, this has made a significant difference. Parents receive structured payment plans, reminders go out automatically, and debits happen based on prior agreement. She now spends less time tracking who has paid and more time planning curriculum upgrades and engaging with teachers.

The benefit isn’t just financial—it’s emotional. When business owners don’t have to chase payments, they gain time, clarity, and confidence. They can plan ahead, restock inventory, or finally invest in that expansion they’ve put off for years. And for customers, the experience feels more professional, more trustworthy. Everyone wins.

Technology won’t solve every problem for Nigerian SMEs. But smart, well-designed financial tools are starting to remove some of the biggest roadblocks—quietly and effectively. And that’s the point. The best systems aren’t flashy. They work in the background, reducing stress, restoring dignity, and enabling business owners to focus on what truly matters.

For Ope Adeoye, founder of OnePipe, the issue is personal. “Every Nigerian knows someone who runs a business—a cousin, a friend, a neighbour. When they suffer from late payments, it affects whole families and communities. Fixing this isn’t just a business goal—it’s a social one.”

In a country as dynamic and entrepreneurial as Nigeria, the challenge is rarely about lack of ideas. It’s about systems that help those ideas survive. And one of the most overlooked systems is the way money flows—or fails to.

As more SMEs embrace tools that put payment on autopilot, a future of stability—rather than constant survival—starts to feel possible. And in a nation powered by small businesses, that kind of shift could move mountains.

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How AI is Revolutionizing Sales and Business Development for Future Growth

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Olubunmi aina

By Olubunmi Aina

Many experts have highlighted the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the financial industry, and I would like to share my perspective on a key functional area that typically drives business growth and profitability— sales and business development professionals and how AI is impacting their work.

Sales and business development professionals are often regarded as the engine room of an organization, thanks to their eye for business opportunities, ideation and conceptualization, market engagement and penetration expertise.

AI is enabling sales and business development professionals to automate tasks, take meeting notes, analyze data, and personalize customer experiences, all of which are embedded within CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems. A CRM with an AI tool is what forward-thinking businesses are leveraging to manage leads, customer data, customer interactions, notify and remind professionals to take action when due, drive growth and profitability.

This is why it is crucial for these professionals to invest heavily in AI knowledge to remain globally competitive. This can be achieved through self-study, attending industry events, or consulting with leading technology companies that have embraced AI, such as Interswitch Group, AI In Nigeria, and Revwit.

Most importantly, to maximize the potential of AI, sales and business development professionals must pay close attention to customer interactions. and ensure they collect high-quality data. Feeding the data repository or CRM Systems with valuable insights and data from real customer engagement is key to getting AI to produce near accurate insight for effective results.

AI will continue to be a key driver of business growth and decision-making in the years ahead. If you are yet to embrace it, now is the time. Keep learning!

Olubunmi Aina is the Vice President, Sales and Account Management at  Interswitch Group

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