The Social Transparency and Youth Leadership Advancement Initiative has called for administrative review and governance reforms at the National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC).

The group made the call at a media briefing on Friday in Abuja.

Convener of the group, Okpanachi Jacob, said the briefing followed allegations concerning governance, procurement transparency, and administrative practices within the commission.

Mr Jacob said the organisation was committed to promoting transparency, responsible governance, and youth-driven accountability in public institutions.

He said recent allegations surrounding HYPPADEC’s management had generated public interest and raised questions about institutional oversight and workplace governance.

Mr Jacob said the group’s intervention was aimed at strengthening the commission’s credibility and ensuring it remained focused on its statutory mandate. 

According to him, HYPPADEC addresses developmental and environmental challenges faced by communities hosting hydroelectric power facilities.

He said the commission provides infrastructure, environmental remediation, livelihood support, and other social interventions to affected communities.

Mr Jacob said HYPPADEC operates across six hydroelectric power-producing states in Nigeria.

He said administrative stability was essential to ensure host communities benefit from the commission’s development interventions.

The convener cited allegations of contract racketeering, administrative misconduct, and abuse of office within the commission.

Mr Jacob urged the federal government to consider asking the managing director/chief executive officer of HYPPADEC, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, to step aside to allow for an independent investigation into the allegations.

Mr Jacob said suspension would allow investigations to proceed without interference or undue influence.

The group also cited allegations of intimidation and undue pressure on staff members within the commission.

Mr Jacob urged supervising ministries to investigate the allegations and ensure a safe and professional work environment.

He also raised concerns about reported staff deployment practices within the commission.

Mr Jacob called on the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to review the staffing structure and deploy qualified principal officers.

He further called for the constitution of HYPPADEC’s governing board and an independent forensic audit of contracts awarded by the commission. 

(NAN)