NDDC To Unveil New Wave Of Projects In Niger Delta

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will launch a new phase of project commissioning across the Niger Delta region in February 2025, Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku announced today.

Speaking to reporters at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku highlighted several key projects, including multi-purpose emergency shelters in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States designed to alleviate suffering among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) during flood events.

Ogbuku emphasised the commission’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” stating that the NDDC is working diligently to fulfill the President’s mandate to revitalise the oil-producing region.

He cited his recent reappointment, along with several other board members, as a testament to the President’s confidence in the commission’s direction.

A significant aspect of the NDDC’s strategy involves completing all ongoing projects, encompassing roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Ogbuku revealed that President Tinubu has approved a N1 trillion budget allocation for this purpose, sourced from financial institutions.

This funding addresses a significant gap, as the NDDC operated without a budget for several years, with the last approved budget being in 2020.

Ogbuku credited this success to collaboration with the Presidency, the National Assembly, and regional stakeholders.

The MD further stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement in fostering harmony and cooperation for sustainable development.

He highlighted a recent wave of successful project completions between May 18th and 28th, including:

Bayelsa State: The 27.5-kilometer Ogbia-Nembe Road, a joint venture with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), connects 14 communities.

Akwa Ibom State: The 6km Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opulom-Ikot Inwang-Okoroutip-Iwochang Road and a 600m bridge in Ibeno LGA.

Abia State: The 9km Obehie-Oke-Ikpe Road in Ukwa West LGA.

Ondo State: A 45km double-circuit 33KV power line supplying electricity to 25 previously un-electrified local governments.

Edo State: A 1×15MVA 33/11KV electricity injection substation in Amufi, Ikpoba-Okha LGA.

Ogbuku concluded by expressing gratitude to stakeholders, state governments, and the President for their support in achieving these milestones and their continued partnership in bringing development to the Niger Delta.

He emphasised that the NDDC’s efforts complement, not compete with, those of state governments.

The upcoming February commissioning events promise to showcase significant progress towards fulfilling the NDDC’s mandate and the President’s vision for the region.