ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has assured the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of a robust partnership to deliver sustainable mega projects that will enhance the socio-economic lives of the people of Delta State. The governor made this commitment on Friday while receiving the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, and his management team in Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori expressed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to complete several abandoned projects in the state and to execute new ones. He voiced his concerns about the numerous unfinished NDDC projects, both in Delta State and across the Niger Delta region. “When I came in, there were some projects that the NDDC was doing that they were unable to complete,” he said. “There are abandoned projects, and I am happy that you mentioned it here. We have completed some of those projects ourselves.”
The governor highlighted key infrastructure projects that the state had taken over due to their significance, despite being federal responsibilities. He pointed to the Sector C 2 road, which runs from Ughelli to Asaba, and the DSC and Effurun roundabouts as examples. “We engaged Julius Berger for those projects because we are the ones using the roads, even though they are federal roads,” Oborevwori noted. “Other people that are coming are just visitors. So you must make your place good for people to pass.”
Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of effective partnership between the state and the NDDC to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure transparency. He recounted an incident where the NDDC reportedly took credit for a road project that the state government had already completed. “There was one incident where a road that was given to a contractor—when we intervened in the project, we were shocked to see that the same road had an NDDC signpost on it in December,” he explained. “My Chief Press Secretary had to issue a press statement.”
The governor urged the NDDC to enhance its monitoring mechanisms to ensure that contractors do not abandon projects due to non-payment. He suggested that the state and the NDDC could jointly oversee projects to ensure accountability. “If we partner, there is no way they can go and collect the money,” he said. “Any of these projects that we are going to intervene in, we will write to you people, so that no contractor will collect money for a job not done.”
Governor Oborevwori also called on the NDDC to focus on delivering impactful projects that would benefit the people of the Niger Delta. “The NDDC is an interventionist agency; they have to assist the people in this region,” he stated. “We have the highest stake because the oil we produce is what the nation feeds on today. So where are our benefits?”
He further challenged the NDDC to provide palliatives for the East-West road, noting that the road’s poor condition is a significant challenge for the region. “Anything you do in this region, those are the things that you will be remembered for,” the governor said. “We will continue to partner to move our region forward.”
In response, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Sam Ogbuku acknowledged the governor’s concerns and assured him that the commission is committed to transparency and accountability. He disclosed that the NDDC is compiling a database of Niger Delta youths to engage them in growth opportunities based on their areas of passion and competence. “We are building a transformative and transparent NDDC that is accountable to the people of the Niger Delta,” Ogbuku said.
Dr. Ogbuku also appealed to the Delta State Government for partnership on key projects, including the construction of the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Escravos Road and bridges. He emphasized that these projects would significantly boost the economy of Delta State once completed. Additionally, he mentioned that KPMG has been commissioned to design a Corporate Governance Structure for the NDDC to enhance its operations.
Governor Oborevwori concluded the meeting by reaffirming Delta State’s readiness to partner with the NDDC on critical infrastructure projects. “As the highest oil-producing state in the region, we need these projects,” he stated. “Be rest assured that Delta State is ready to partner with the NDDC.”
