Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Hydro-Electric Power Producing Area Development Commission, HYPERDEC, has moved to strengthen transparency in its operations by seeking a formal partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to tackle corruption and financial crimes in dam host communities.
The call was made during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed HYPERDEC State Coordinator, AbdulHameed Yazid, and members of his team to the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate.
Yazid commended the EFCC for what he described as “tremendous impact in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes,” stressing that HYPERDEC considers collaboration with the anti-graft agency “a necessity.”
“With the establishment of HYPERDEC, the people of Kaduna and other areas within our coverage will begin to enjoy equitable and sustainable development, especially those affected by dams and other hydro-electric power infrastructure. To achieve this, we must work closely with the EFCC to ensure funds and projects are properly managed,” Yazid stated.
The Coordinator explained that HYPERDEC was designed to channel resources into host communities of hydro-electric projects, and warned that without strict accountability, development goals could be undermined.
Responding, the Acting Zonal Commander of the EFCC Kaduna Command, Assistant Commander of EFCC, Bawa Usman Kaltungo, welcomed the partnership request and pledged the Commission’s support.
“No organisation is an island unto itself. The Commission is ready to collaborate with HYPERDEC as requested. The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility,” Kaltungo said.
He, however, cautioned the visiting team on the need to maintain internal discipline and transparency.
“We urge HYPERDEC to ensure transparency and accountability in the discharge of its responsibilities, especially in the award of contracts. Collaboration will only succeed when institutions themselves uphold integrity,” Kaltungo added.
