NDDC Headquarters Shuts Down Over COVID-19 Scare

The management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has shut down the commission’s corporate headquarters following COVID-19 scare.

The coronavirus scare, it was gathered, was triggered by the death of a member of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of NDDC, Mr. Ibanga Etang.

Etang, who until his death, was the Acting Executive Director of Finance and Administration reportedly died at about 2am on Thursday at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt after a brief illness.

In an internal memo dated 28th May 2020 with reference no: NDDC/HO/HAHR/3 signed by one Silas Anyawu on behalf of the management, the Commission directed all Directors, Head of Departments/ Units and indeed, all staff to vacate the complex with immediate effect.

They were asked to go into self-isolation for two weeks while the premises would be decontaminated.

Although the official reason for the shutdown was not readily stated, there are speculations that Enang’s death may have links to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic infection hence the fumigation.

The memo reads thus: “I am directed to inform all staff that management has approved that the Commission be shut down for two weeks from today 28th May, 2020.

“Consequently, all activities in the Commission including ongoing matters are hereby shut down for the time being “Members of staff are to ensure that all electrical appliances in their offices are switched off before leaving the premises.

“The Head Security is by this memo directed to work out modalities to ensure the safety and security of the Commission while Director, Administration is requested to fumigate and decontaminate the entire offices in the Headquarters during the period.

“Meanwhile staff are enjoined to go into self-isolation for two weeks as they await further directive from management”.

TheNigrialawyer notes that the shutdown comes amidst probe of financial improprieties to the tune of N40 billion of the NDDC by the National Assembly.