The Niger Delta Development Commission has announced plans to commence a new phase of project inaugurations across the Niger Delta region in February 2025.
The Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, shared the update during a press briefing held at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The announcement was detailed in a statement released by the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, on Thursday.
Ogbuku highlighted that the upcoming projects include multi-purpose emergency shelters in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states.
These shelters are designed to offer relief for Internally Displaced Persons in the event of flooding, underscoring the commission’s commitment to addressing pressing regional challenges.
He reaffirmed the NDDC’s dedication to executing President Bola Tinubu’s directive to revitalize the Niger Delta and support the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, completing vital projects like roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities remains central to improving infrastructure across the region.
The Managing Director also revealed that President Tinubu had approved the commission’s 2024 budget, which includes a plan to secure ₦1 trillion from financial institutions to fund significant legacy projects.
“The President has shown unwavering support by approving our budget for the first time since 2020,” Dr. Ogbuku stated.
He further acknowledged the critical role played by the Presidency, National Assembly, and stakeholders in advancing the commission’s objectives, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that have enabled progress.
Reflecting on recent milestones, Dr. Ogbuku mentioned the successful completion of five major development projects earlier in the year.
These include the 27.5-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State, developed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, and the 6-kilometre Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opulom-Ikot Inwang-Okoroutip-Iwochang Road in Akwa Ibom State.
Other achievements highlighted were the 9-kilometre Obehie-Oke-Ikpe Road in Abia State, the 45-kilometre double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa in Ondo State—restoring electricity to 25 local government areas after 15 years of darkness—and a 1×15MVA 33/11KV electricity injection substation in Amufi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.
Ogbuku stressed the importance of fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, noting that the commission aims to complement, not compete with, state governments.
“We thank our stakeholders for their support and encouragement, which have boosted our drive to deliver development to the people of the Niger Delta,” he remarked.
The NDDC’s initiatives, he added, have contributed significantly to peace and stability in the region, with community members and youth expressing their satisfaction with the commission’s development efforts.
