A civil society organisation, the Social Transparency and Youth Leadership Advancement Initiative (STYLAI), has called for the immediate suspension of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, over allegations of contract racketeering, administrative misconduct, abuse of office, and concerns about managerial competence.
The group made the call during a press briefing held on Friday at the CSO Media Center, H & A Plaza, Wuye, Abuja.
Addressing journalists, the Convener of the organisation, Comrade Okpanachi Jacob, said the demand for suspension was necessary to allow for a full and independent investigation into concerns surrounding the management of the Commission.
He explained that the organisation’s intervention was not intended to sensationalise internal issues or undermine public institutions, but to promote transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity.
Jacob stated that suspending the Managing Director pending investigation would help protect the integrity of the investigative process and ensure that any inquiry proceeds without interference or undue influence.
The group also raised concerns about alleged intimidation and pressure on staff within the Commission, warning that such a workplace environment could affect professionalism and efficiency in public service delivery.
STYLAI further called on the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to review the staffing structure within HYPPADEC, following reports that some strategic positions that require experienced Principal Officers are allegedly being handled by junior personnel.
According to the organisation, the situation could affect operational coordination, administrative decision-making, and overall efficiency within the Commission.
The group also stressed the urgent need for the constitution of HYPPADEC’s governing board to strengthen institutional oversight and ensure that executive management remains accountable to an appropriate supervisory body.
In addition, the organisation raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the Commission’s procurement processes, including claims that some contracts may have involved unusually high commission arrangements with contractors.
To address the allegations, STYLAI called for an independent forensic audit of contracts awarded within the Commission to determine whether due procurement processes were followed.
The organisation therefore demanded the immediate suspension of the Managing Director pending investigation, a probe into allegations of staff intimidation, intervention by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to ensure proper staff deployment, urgent constitution of the Commission’s governing board by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and a comprehensive forensic audit of contracts.
The group noted that these measures are necessary to safeguard the credibility and long-term effectiveness of the Commission.
HYPPADEC was established to address the environmental and developmental challenges faced by communities hosting hydroelectric power facilities across six states in Nigeria, providing infrastructure, environmental remediation, livelihood support programmes, and social development interventions.
The organisation urged relevant authorities to take necessary administrative actions to restore public confidence and ensure the Commission remains focused on delivering development to host communities.
