By Awwal Umar Kontagora The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has dismissed as fa...
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has dismissed as false and malicious allegations by a group identifying itself as the Coalition of Shiroro Associations (COSA), which claimed that the Commission never executed the Rescue Village project in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Commission described the allegations as "false, reckless, mischievous and a desperate attempt" to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of N-HYPPADEC and its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa.
In a statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Affairs, N-HYPPADEC, Nura Tanko Wakili, MNIPR, AfCPN, the Commission said that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Rescue Village project was duly funded, completed and commissioned on June 30, 2022, in collaboration with its then partner, New Approach.
According to the statement, the project was established to provide temporary shelter and relief for internally displaced persons affected by recurring floods and bandit attacks in Shiroro and surrounding communities.
It stated that the facility was equipped with modern amenities, including solar-powered electricity, temporary residential accommodation, toilet facilities, potable water, security infrastructure and other essential services to provide a safe and dignified living environment for displaced families.
The Commission noted that the project was commissioned by the then Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Matane, on behalf of the then Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello.
It added that the commissioning ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies and members of the media.
According to the statement, the facility was vandalised by hoodlums only a few days after its commissioning, with equipment and other valuable items worth millions of naira looted. It said the attack deprived the affected communities of the opportunity to benefit from the project.
Despite financial constraints, the Commission said it has continued consultations with relevant stakeholders on sustainable ways of providing shelter for displaced persons. It cited the ongoing construction of N-HYPPADEC Resettlement Housing Schemes in Layi and Galadima Kogo in Shiroro Local Government Area, as well as Injita in Munya Local Government Area.
The Commission described it as surprising that a group claiming to represent the people of Shiroro would deny the existence of a project that was publicly commissioned and widely reported, alleging that the group's actions were politically motivated and intended to mislead the public.
It accused the group of engaging in misinformation, blackmail and character assassination instead of constructive engagement, describing the allegations as a deliberate campaign aimed at undermining the developmental achievements of N-HYPPADEC.
The statement stressed that while the Commission welcomes constructive criticism from genuine stakeholders, it would not remain silent while "faceless groups, apparently hired to serve vested interests," fabricate allegations and spread propaganda to discredit the institution.
N-HYPPADEC also expressed concern that the allegations surfaced at a time when the Commission is appealing to Generation Companies (GenCos) to fulfil their statutory obligations to enable it to execute more developmental projects across member states.
To support its position, the Commission said it had attached photographs taken during the official commissioning of the Rescue Village, describing them as undeniable evidence that the project was executed, completed and commissioned.
The Commission reaffirmed that, under the leadership of its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, it remains committed to transparency, accountability and inclusive development. It added that its open-door policy encourages individuals and organisations with genuine concerns to seek clarification through appropriate channels rather than resort to falsehoods and media propaganda.
N-HYPPADEC urged members of the public to disregard what it described as the unfounded allegations made by COSA and its sponsors, insisting that the claims were an unsuccessful attempt to blackmail, intimidate and distract the Commission from its statutory mandate.
It maintained that its developmental projects across hydroelectric power-producing communities remain visible, verifiable and widely acknowledged, adding that it would not be distracted by what it described as "merchants of falsehood, hired propagandists and agents of mischief."
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