Anioma Youth Forum Petitions National Assembly Over NDDC Internship Programme
The Anioma Youth Forum Worldwide has petitioned the Senate and the House of Representatives, calling for a comprehensive investigation into the implementation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Youth Internship Programme.
The group specifically urged the National Assembly Committees on NDDC to carry out an independent forensic audit of the scheme, covering its design, execution, financial disbursements and the list of beneficiaries.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday and signed by its National President, Nnamdi Ofonye; Deputy National President, Sadik Enemosa; National Secretary, Kabadi Kabadi; and 15 other members, the forum cited “credible reports and widespread public concern” over alleged irregularities in the programme.
According to the group, the initiative—launched in August 2024 to empower youths in the Niger Delta and enhance capacity—has been plagued by complaints regarding its implementation.
The forum alleged that many of the reported 10,000 beneficiaries did not receive the approved monthly stipend of ₦50,000. It further claimed that there was inadequate documentation, including the absence of attendance registers, biometric verification records and work logs, to confirm participants’ involvement in the programme.
Additionally, the group alleged that only a fraction of beneficiaries were paid, and even among those who received stipends, some were paid for just a few months despite the programme being structured to run for a full year.
The forum warned that if the allegations are substantiated and left unaddressed, they could erode public trust in government institutions, expose public funds to misuse and heighten dissatisfaction among youths in the Niger Delta.
It therefore called on the National Assembly to act swiftly, stressing that a transparent and thorough investigation would help restore confidence, strengthen accountability and ensure that the programme delivers its intended benefits to eligible participants.