Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – A civil society group calls for sweeping reforms at the Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), urging the federal government to suspend its managing director pending an independent investigation into alleged contract fraud and administrative misconduct.
The Social Transparency and Youth Leadership Advancement Initiative made the demand during a media briefing Friday in Abuja.
Convener Okpanachi Jacob says the commission’s credibility and its mandate to support communities hosting hydroelectric facilities across six states are under threat.
“Suspension would allow investigations to proceed without interference or undue influence,” Jacob says.
The organisation alleges cases of contract irregularities, staff intimidation and administrative failures within the commission.
HYPPADEC was established to deliver infrastructure projects, environmental remediation and economic support to communities affected by hydroelectric dams.
Jacob warns that alleged governance lapses risk undermining the agency’s ability to deliver development projects to host communities.
The group calls for several reforms, including:
A forensic audit of contracts awarded by the commission
Immediate constitution of HYPPADEC’s governing board
A review of staffing structure by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation
The organisation says it remains committed to youth-driven accountability and transparency in public institutions.
“Our goal is to promote responsible governance and ensure public institutions deliver on their mandates,” Jacob adds.
The group urges federal authorities and supervising ministries to take urgent steps to restore confidence in the commission.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Koko Maxwella 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello