By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to prioritise the completion of all critical yet abandoned projects across the Niger Delta region, as part of renewed efforts to accelerate regional development.
The President gave the directive during the 25th anniversary celebration of the NDDC held in Port Harcourt on Saturday. The event, themed “Transmitting Vision to Reality for the Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta Region”, brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, traditional rulers, and development partners.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Tinubu described the NDDC as a vital component of the national development strategy and reiterated his administration’s focus on the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta.
“I have directed the NDDC, through the Ministry of Regional Development, to complete and deliver all abandoned critical projects throughout the Niger Delta region,” Tinubu said.
Key projects listed include the Ka-Ataba Bridge, Okrika-Borokiri Bridge, Bonny Ring Road, Barigolo Road and bridges, and the East-West Sampou roads and bridges. Tinubu expressed confidence that the timely completion of these infrastructure projects would significantly transform the region and contribute to national growth.
He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the NDDC, stressing the importance of prioritising human capital development and grassroots impact.
“The NDDC remains pivotal to the development of the Niger Delta, which has made substantial contributions to our national growth. My administration pledges full support to the commission and will ensure it remains adequately empowered to deliver on its mandate,” he added.
The President commended the commission’s Light Up the Niger Delta initiative, noting its positive impact on nighttime security, extended commercial activity, and improved social life in rural communities.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his address, hailed the National Assembly’s role in establishing the NDDC, describing the agency as a product of legislative foresight. “That is why we are gathered here today — to express our full support for the NDDC on the occasion of its silver jubilee,” he said.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in a goodwill message, urged the NDDC to begin preparing for a post-oil economy by exploring renewable energy and other sustainable development paths. “The next 25 years should bring about greater development, as the future of the Niger Delta region lies in the hands of the NDDC,” he stated.
Delivering the keynote address, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, emphasised the need for measurable impact. “The significance of today’s celebration must be reflected in real, tangible outcomes,” she said. “Much more remains to be done to truly transform the region.”
Minister of Regional Development, Mr. Abubakar Momoh, lauded the commission’s recent achievements, including the 25.7km Ogbia-Emakalakala-Akipelai-Etiama-Nembe Road with seven bridges, and other completed infrastructure projects in Ondo and Akwa Ibom States.
“The President is particularly pleased with the performance of the current leadership of the NDDC,” Momoh said.
Chairman of the NDDC Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, highlighted the agency’s renewed commitment to stakeholder engagement, while Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku described the jubilee as the start of a new chapter.
“This anniversary marks the dawn of a new beginning, not only for the NDDC but for the entire Niger Delta region,” Ogbuku declared.
