Minister Unveils NDDC’s Ultra-Modern Office, Road Network In Cross River

Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Regional Development, on Friday commissioned the ultra-modern Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Cross River State office as well as an 8.137-kilometer road network spanning Calabar South and Municipality.

The event also started the first phase of distributing handheld tiller machines to local farmers.

At the commissioning ceremony, Engr. Momoh emphasised the federal government’s commitment to the Niger Delta region’s development.

“These projects demonstrate President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to developing the Niger Delta region,” he said.

He praised the NDDC Board and Management for responding to President Tinubu’s directive to deliver impactful projects. He encouraged Niger Delta state governors to work with the Commission for the region’s benefit.

“The NDDC is setting standards for good performance in the region,” he said, encouraging other regional development commissions to emulate the NDDC’s project delivery.

Hon. Ankpo Pius, Commissioner for Works and representative of Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu, thanked President Tinubu and the NDDC for their dedication to the Niger Delta.

He also urged the NDDC to use innovative road construction technologies to address the region’s unique environmental challenges.

Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the NDDC Board, stated that the completion of the road network reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the Niger Delta.

“We thank our stakeholders for their support and appreciate the partnership of the state governments,” he said, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to working with Niger Delta governors for long-term development.

The NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to its mandate, promising to change the narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.

He stated that the NDDC is actively engaging stakeholders to promote harmony and cooperation in the region’s development.

“We will continue to celebrate the dividends of NDDC’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said, citing previously commissioned projects such as road networks in Rivers and Delta States as proof of the administration’s progress.

Sir Victor Antai, NDDC Executive Director of Projects, explained how important the road network is in driving development and improving people’s livelihoods. He highlighted the Commission’s emphasis on legacy and cost-effective projects.

“These initiatives demonstrate the Commission’s emphasis on legacy and cost-effective projects that improve community well-being and promote sustainable development,” he stated.

Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, praised President Tinubu’s commitment to the Niger Delta and assured the NDDC that the National Assembly would support it in carrying out its mandate.

“Our collective goal is to see the NDDC carry out its mandate and drive sustainable development throughout the Niger Delta region,” he said.

The commissioning of the new office, road network, and launch of the tiller distribution program are expected to have a significant impact on Calabar’s economic and social landscape, as well as contribute to the overall development of the Niger Delta Region.