NDDC inaugurates reconstruction of 23.7-km road in Abia

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Thursday inaugurated the reconstructed Ndoro-Ntalakwu and adjoining road networks, totaling 23.7 kilometers in Ikwuano and Umuahia South Local Government Areas of Abia State.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, assured that the era of abandoned projects by the NDDC was over. He warned that contractors would no longer be allowed to abandon projects without consequences.

“We want to establish a culture of delivery in NDDC so that whoever takes over the commission will be serious about completing projects. No contractor will receive an NDDC contract and leave it unfinished,” Wike stated.

Minister Wike commended the NDDC for its commitment to completing abandoned projects and assured continued federal support for the development of the Niger Delta region.

He also praised Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his developmental strides, noting that they complement the federal government’s efforts. He urged other Niger Delta governors to emulate Otti’s approach to governance.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, described the reconstructed roads as a major infrastructural milestone. He stressed that development in the Niger Delta should extend beyond roads to include mass housing, accessible healthcare, quality education, and job creation for the youth.

He assured that the Senate would continue to provide legislative oversight and support to ensure NDDC delivers on its mandate.

In his remarks, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of NDDC, emphasized that the commission under his leadership is committed to completing abandoned projects and streamlining its processes.

“We are establishing a culture of project delivery at the NDDC. No contractor will be allowed to abandon projects and go unpunished. We undertake projects that bring tangible benefits to communities,” he said.

Dr. Ogbuku also reaffirmed the commission’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promising more developmental projects across Abia State.

Representing Governor Alex Otti, Chief of Staff Rev. Caleb Ajagba expressed gratitude for NDDC’s interventions and pledged the state government’s readiness to collaborate on infrastructure, education, and health projects.

He urged the benefiting communities to take ownership of the newly reconstructed roads and ensure their maintenance.

Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, Obioma Ihedigbo, President-General of Obuohia Ibere Development Union, described the newly reconstructed roads as “a major milestone that will boost economic activities and reduce travel time for residents.”

Senator Austin Akobundu (Abia Central) also commended the NDDC for the infrastructural improvement and called on the commission to rehabilitate the deplorable Ariam/Usaka Ring Road, already included in the 2025 budget.

Similarly, Abia’s NDDC Board Representative, Chief Dimgba Eruba, highlighted the positive impact of the reconstructed roads in reducing travel time and supporting the economic growth of the region.

NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Hon. Victor Antai, stated that the reconstructed roads include solar street lights, which will improve security and social activities in the area.

He emphasized that the road rehabilitation in Ikwuano LGA (5.3 km) and Umuahia South LGA (5.3 km) was part of the commission’s commitment to infrastructure development in the Niger Delta.

The event was attended by several high-profile figures, including Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Patrick Ndubueze, Anthony Ani, and other members of the Senate Committee on NDDC.

During the ceremony, HRM King Larry, a traditional ruler from the host community, made an appeal for urgent intervention in rehabilitating a dilapidated primary school built in the 1950s.

Responding to this plea, FCT Minister Wike directed the NDDC to immediately renovate the school, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving education and social infrastructure.