- Tinubu listed key projects including Ka-Ataba and Bonny Ring Road as priorities for urgent completion across the region.
- He said completing abandoned projects would accelerate development and boost national progress beyond the Niger Delta region.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Niger Delta Development Commission to prioritise the completion of all abandoned critical projects in the region.
Tinubu gave the directive on Saturday during the 25th anniversary plenary celebration of the NDDC held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The theme of the event was, “Transmitting Vision to Reality for the Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta Region.”
The president was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
He said the NDDC remained central to the national development strategy and would continue to enjoy the backing of the Federal Government.
He stated that his administration placed high importance on the development of the Niger Delta due to its critical contributions to the country’s economy.
“Accordingly, I have directed the NDDC, through the Ministry of Regional Development, to complete and deliver all abandoned critical projects throughout the Niger Delta region,” he said.
Projects listed by the president include the Ka-Ataba Bridge, Okrika-Borokiri Bridge, Bonny Ring Road, Barigolo Road and bridges, and the East-West Sampou roads and bridges.
He expressed confidence that the completion of the projects would fast-track development across the region and the country.
Tinubu assured the commission of his administration’s continuous support in achieving its mandate of sustainable development.
“The NDDC remains pivotal to the development of the Niger Delta, which has made substantial contributions to our national growth,” he said.
“My administration pledges full support to the commission and will ensure it remains adequately empowered to deliver on its mandate.”
He urged the NDDC to also focus on human capital development and prioritise programmes that directly benefit rural dwellers.
He praised the commission for its ‘Light Up the Niger Delta’ initiative, saying the programme had improved security and increased economic activity in many communities.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said the National Assembly played a major role in the establishment of the NDDC.
He recalled the passage of the NDDC bill as a major milestone during a critical period in Nigeria’s history.
“That is why we are gathered here today, to express our full support for the NDDC on the occasion of its silver jubilee,” he stated.
Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, in a goodwill message, described the anniversary as an opportunity for sober reflection and strategic planning.
He advised the NDDC to begin shifting its focus from oil dependence to renewable energy and sustainable growth.
“The next 25 years should bring about a greater development as the future of the Niger Delta region lies in the hands of the NDDC,” he declared.
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in her keynote address, emphasised the need for the NDDC to achieve measurable outcomes.
She noted that the commission bore the responsibility of improving the welfare and livelihoods of Niger Delta residents.
“The significance of today’s celebration must be reflected in real measurable impact,” she said.
“The NDDC has carried out a considerable amount of work, but much more remains to be done to truly transform the region.”
The minister of regional development, Mr Abubakar Momoh, commended the NDDC for recently completing the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Emakalakala-Akipelai-Etiama-Nembe Road which has seven bridges.
He also listed other completed projects, including the Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opulom-Ikot Inwang, Okoroutip-Iwochange Road with an 800-metre Ibeno Bridge, and the Ode-Erinje electricity substation in Ondo State.
He said the commission had executed several projects despite the challenges in the region and praised the current leadership for its performance.
“President Tinubu is particularly pleased with the performance of the current leadership of the NDDC,” he added.
The chairman of the NDDC governing board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, said the current board had focused on engaging stakeholders to promote inclusive development.
The managing director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the silver jubilee marked the beginning of a new chapter for the region.
“This anniversary marks the dawn of a new beginning, not only for the NDDC but for the entire Niger Delta region,” he affirmed.
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