Dignitaries at the 25th anniversary plenary celebration of the NDDC in Port Harcourt
By BARBARA KALU, Port-Harcourt –
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to prioritize the completion of abandoned critical projects across the Niger Delta region.
This directive was issued during the 25th anniversary plenary celebration of the NDDC in Port Harcourt.
The event was themed, “Transmitting Vision to Reality for the Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta Region.”
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu emphasized the NDDC’s crucial role in national development, citing the region’s significant contributions to the nation’s progress.
“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 stated.
Some of the projects mentioned include the Ka-Ataba Bridge, Okrika-Borokiri Bridge, Bonny Ring Road, and Barigolo Road and bridges.
Tinubu expressed confidence that completing these projects would accelerate the region’s development and benefit the country as a whole.
“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.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the National Assembly’s instrumental role in establishing the NDDC, while former President Goodluck Jonathan urged the commission to explore renewable energy resources and sustainable opportunities for the region’s growth.
Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, emphasized the importance of translating vision into tangible outcomes, stressing that the NDDC has a significant responsibility to improve the living conditions and livelihoods of the people of the Niger Delta.
NDDC Chairman, Chiedu Ebie, highlighted the commission’s evolution and commitment to stakeholder engagement, while Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, described the silver jubilee celebration as a new beginning for the NDDC and the Niger Delta region.
