By Bob Majiri-Oghene Etemiku
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]n online scientific instrument for data gathering and analysis, known as the Niger Delta Transparency Index (NDTI) to monitor and evaluate development projects in the Niger Delta would be launched on December 15, 2017 by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ).The program will engender transparency, accountability and prudence in the management of resources accruing to the Niger Delta Interventionists Institutions, ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor disclosed on Thursday.
Ugolor expressed satisfaction with the program which he said was conceived by ANEEJ in collaboration with international partners renowned for creating innovative software for tracking good governance.The innovation is 100% homegrown with technical support from Dyntra, http://www.dyntra.org/en/, he said.
“Trillions of naira have been flowing to the Niger Delta and we are about to use technology to know how these monies are being spent. What this index seeks to achieve is promotion of healthy competition amongst the Niger Delta Development institutions in such a way that it will be a win-win for both the citizens of the oil producing communities/States and the institutions,” Rev. Ugolor said.
According to him, the Index will be used to evaluate activities in the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC and all the State Owned Oil Producing Commissions.
Key indicators to be evaluated include: Access to information and public disclosure, Synergy with other NDIs and government agencies, inclusiveness and Consultation with oil producing communities, Transparency in procurement process, as well as the integrity of the development institutions.
“Once our international team of experts launch the site on the Dyntra platform, it would trigger a process where the development institutions have an opportunity to get involved in a self-evaluating system which will be subject to the verification of the administrator,” Ugolor further explained.
