8th April, 2020
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has blamed its inability to distribute ventilators and other test kits to its mandate states on global lockdown over the Coronavirus pandemic.
Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, NDDC Managing Director, clarified on Wednesday, following his recent promise that NDDC would supply ventilators and drugs to 9 Niger Delta states.
The states are, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
According to him, NDDC has since released the funds to the nine state governments to support their fight against the Coronavirus outbreak in the country.
“Initially, we wanted to get ventilators but we could not. Ventilators which used to cost about eight to nine million naira for one; in one week went up to almost N30 million.
“Also, we found out that most of the people who said they can supply the equipment, do not have them in the country. Ventilators are now in short supply even in the U.S. The prices have also skyrocketed,” he said.
“Most times, the ones (companies) we got in contact with, told us that the equipment would be delivered to us by the end of April, and some in May.
“So, rather than tie up the money, we decided to give funds to the states, since the states had made plans to get the ventilators. Having discussed with the state governments, we didn’t want to duplicate efforts that will end up wasted. We are working in synergy,” he explained.