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 urged the National Assembly Committees on NDDC to conduct an independent forensic audit of the programme, covering its design, implementation, financial disbursements and beneficiary lists.

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 said there were “credible reports and widespread public concern” about alleged irregularities in the scheme.

According to the group, the programme, introduced in August 2024 to empower youths in the Niger Delta and build capacity, has attracted complaints about its implementation.

The forum alleged that many of the purported 10,000 beneficiaries did not receive the approved monthly stipend of N50,000. It also claimed there was little or no documentation, such as attendance registers, biometric verification records or work records, to support claims that beneficiaries participated in the programme.

The group further alleged that only a fraction of beneficiaries received payments, and that some of those paid received stipends for only a few months, despite the programme being designed to run for one year.

It said the allegations, if proven and left unaddressed, could undermine public confidence in government institutions, expose public funds to abuse and fuel discontent among youths in the Niger Delta.

The forum urged the National Assembly to intervene, saying that a transparent investigation would help restore public confidence, strengthen accountability, and ensure that the programme benefits reach eligible participants.

The group further urged lawmakers to direct the NDDC to publish, within 14 days, the list of beneficiaries, payment records, and the distribution of beneficiaries across the nine Niger Delta states, while providing a clear timetable for the investigation and periodic public updates on its progress.

In addition, the forum called for public hearings to enable whistle-blowers, beneficiaries and relevant officials to testify under oath, while ensuring adequate protection for whistle-blowers against victimisation.

It also urged the recovery of any misappropriated funds and the prosecution of any individual found culpable by the appropriate authorities if an investigation establishes evidence of wrongdoing. (THISDAY)

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