By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to completing abandoned strategic projects that will deliver meaningful impacts across the Niger Delta region.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, made this known in Asaba during a world press briefing marking the 25th anniversary of the NDDC.
Chief Ogbuku revealed that President Bola Tinubu had directed the Commission to prioritize the completion of high-value legacy projects, many of which had already received significant funding in the past.
He explained that it would be wasteful to abandon such projects, stressing the need to revisit and complete them to justify the resources previously invested for the development of the region.
Highlighting key achievements under the current board led by Chairman Chiedu Ebie, Chief Ogbuku expressed satisfaction over the completion of the multi-billion-naira Okitipupa electrification project, which restored electricity to Ondo South after 15 years of darkness.
“Today, the people of Ondo South have light again after so many years. That is something we are proud of,” he said.
He also noted that several abandoned projects had been completed in Edo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Imo, and Rivers States. In addition, the Commission has executed several new initiatives, including the construction of NDDC state offices and the distribution of 45,000 tablets preloaded with educational materials to students across the region.
Speaking on major infrastructure projects, Chief Ogbuku mentioned the revival of the 27.1-kilometer Bonny Ring Road, previously abandoned but now revived through a partnership with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). He disclosed that the contractor has been mobilized and work is underway.
He also discussed plans for the construction of the 67-kilometer Escravos Road in partnership with Chevron, the Delta State Government, and potentially the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Discussions on this project, which will feature several bridges, are ongoing.
Chief Ogbuku highlighted other ongoing efforts, including the continuation of the Commission’s foreign scholarship program, with 200 beneficiaries each receiving $40,000. He also announced the introduction of a local postgraduate scholarship scheme.
On healthcare, he said thousands of women, youths, and children had benefited from NDDC’s free medical outreach, which will now be conducted twice annually in all nine states of the region.
In agriculture, Chief Ogbuku said the Commission would intensify efforts in collaboration with partners to enhance food security and agricultural productivity.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his strong backing, as well as the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, and both past and present governors of the region for their contributions to the Commission’s progress.
Addressing concerns about the Commission’s budget, Chief Ogbuku clarified that the NDDC was not in possession of ₦1.9 trillion, noting that the figure reflected the Commission’s cumulative budget and a proposed loan facility yet to be accessed. However, he admitted that the NDDC had witnessed improved funding under the current administration compared to previous ones.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NDDC Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, pledged that the Commission would continue to work diligently to improve the lives of Niger Delta residents.
Mr. Ebie praised the media for its crucial role as a watchdog and partner in public engagement, stating that the Commission values its relationship with journalists.
