NDDC To Commission Obehie/Oke Ikpe-Road In Abia, Other Projects Across Niger Delta Region

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) announced that it will begin commissioning 92 infrastructure projects worth N84 billion across the region’s nine mandated states in the coming two weeks.
The Obehie to Oke Ikpe road in Abia State, for example, was reconstructed for N3.5 billion. The nine-kilometer road connects Rivers and Akwa Ibom states via Abia (Ukwa East/West).
“It entailed rebuilding seven kilometres of failed road and constructing three and eight kilometres of drainage.
“Additional projects include roads, electrification, a police station, health clinics, and school buildings.”
The Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday that the projects represent the Commission’s impact on changing the region’s development narratives.
The projects include the 25.7-kilometer Ogbia-Nembe Road, which for the first time in living memory connects the ancient city of Nembe to the road network. The star project also includes 9.15 kilometres of prefabricated vertical drains in the swamp, as well as seven bridges built at a cost of N24 billion.
According to the statement, the completed road would reduce travel time to Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, from three hours via dangerous waterways to 45 minutes. It also allows 14 communities to develop.
According to the statement, the project was carried out in collaboration with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, and is hailed as a model for NDDC’s partnership approach to addressing the region’s development challenges.
The statement reads, “The projects include the 25.7-kilometer Ogbia-Nembe Road, which creates a road link to the ancient city of Nembe for the first time in living memory.” The star project also includes 9.15 kilometres of prefabricated vertical drains for the swamp, as well as seven bridges.
“The road, built at a cost of N24 billion, reduces travel time to Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, from 3 hours via dangerous water routes to 45 minutes. It also provides opportunities for development in 14 communities.
“The project was completed in collaboration with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, and is hailed as a model of NDDC’s partnership approach to addressing the region’s development challenges.
“The 132KV Transmission Line and I32KV/33KV Substation electrification project, completed for N8.3 billion to optimise power supply to local government areas in the southern part of Ondo State, is also set to be commissioned.
“The project includes the construction of 45km of double circuit 33KV feeder lines from Omotosho Power Station (Hook-up point) to Okitipupa, as well as two 30MVA, 132/33KV injection substations with breakers, gantry, and substation automation.” It also calls for the construction of a three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow as service quarters.
“The capacity of this power station is optimised with the provision of 2 x 60MVA, 132/33KV transformer and other ancillary works at Okitipupa Injection Substation, rehabilitation of 35km 33/11KV transmission from Okitipupa-Igbokoda-Ugbonla and environs, and the construction of 1km rigid pavement.”
According to the statement, “The electricity project will complement the Federal Government’s efforts in the power sector by improving power supply to Okitipupa, Igbokoda, and other neighbouring communities in Ondo South Senatorial District with direct value chain in small and medium scale industries, job creation, and consequently engender growth and development in Ondo State.”
“The NDDC will open the 6.87-kilometre Iko-Iwuochang road in Akwa Ibom State’s southern region. The road project consists of a two-lane single-carriageway, a 600-meter bridge, and side drains.
“The N10 billion virgin road project connects 20 communities previously separated by the Qua Iboe river.”