NDDC Dismisses False Online Claims on Project Delays, Clarifies Achievements

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has debunked a recent online report alleging delays in the execution of its projects, describing the publication as malicious, misleading, and aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Commission and its management.

The report, published on September 25 under the headline: “NDDC Projects Drag In Niger-Delta As Tinubu Government Fails To Publish Commission’s Audit Report,” falsely claimed that the NDDC spent N5 billion on the 50th birthday celebration of its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and linked project delays to the non-publication of the Commission’s audit report.

In response, the NDDC clarified that the birthday celebration was entirely sponsored by friends, family, and associates of Dr. Ogbuku, not the Commission. “The major highlight of Ogbuku’s birthday was the launch of two books in Abuja, centred on intellectual reflection, communal celebration, and thanksgiving to God,” the statement read.

Regarding project delivery, the NDDC emphasized that the report’s claims were false. The Commission has been actively implementing the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda in the Niger Delta. Notable achievements include:

• February 2025: Inauguration of the 9.6-kilometre Abraka-Oben Road in Delta State and commencement of the Abraka-Agbor Road reconstruction.
• March 2025: Commissioning of the 7.3-kilometre Oyigbo Road network and Mgboji-Umuagbu Akwete Road reconstruction in Rivers State.
• Subsequent months: Inauguration of Eziama-Abba-Owerre Nkworji Road in Imo State, Ndoro-Ntalakwu Road Network in Abia State, and the Ultra-Modern NDDC Cross River State Office and 8.137 km road network in Calabar South.
• June 2025: Opening of the new NDDC State Office Complex in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Training Centre in Otuokpoti, Ogbia LGA.
• Between May 18–28, 2024: Commissioning of multiple impactful projects in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, and Ondo States, covering roads, bridges, and electricity projects.

Currently, the NDDC is delivering legacy projects including the Kaa-Ataba Bridge in Rivers State, Okirika-Borikiri Bridge, regional specialist hospitals in Cross River and Rivers States, the Bonny Ring Road, and the Ikaa Bridge linking Rivers and Abia States.

The Commission condemned the online platform for publishing unverified allegations and urged the public to focus on NDDC’s numerous initiatives positively impacting the Niger Delta.

“Unfortunately, the online platform has chosen the path of falsehood, publishing unverified allegations and recycling rumours. But the Niger Delta decides the path of development,” said Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs.

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