By Samuel Adeola
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to urgently complete all abandoned key projects in the region, describing the oil-rich area as “the goose that lays the golden egg” for Nigeria.
Speaking during the NDDC’s 25th anniversary celebration in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume emphasized the need for immediate action.
He listed several critical projects for completion, including the Kaa-Ataba Bridge, Okrika-Borokiri Bridge, Bonny Ring Road, Gbaregolo Roads and Bridges, and the East-West Sampou Roads and Bridges.
The President also highlighted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a vital alternative to the East-West Road, saying it will enhance trade and connectivity while opening new investment opportunities.
Tinubu praised the commission’s “Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative, noting its role in reducing night-time crime and boosting socio-economic activities.
He urged the board to continue focusing on rural development and human capital investment.
“Projects and programmes that directly impact the lives of ordinary people in rural communities must be prioritised,” he stated.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in his remarks, urged the NDDC to prioritize long-term, people-focused infrastructure over short-term political interests. He blamed frequent leadership changes for slowing progress.
“In just 25 years, the NDDC has had over 11 CEOs. Let the next 25 years be defined by legacy projects, not just visions and promises,” Jonathan said, while commending Tinubu for retaining the current leadership team.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also raised concerns over mismanagement, citing the commission’s long-term use of a rented office costing N300 million annually without a connection to the national grid.
“For over 20 years, NDDC operated from a rented apartment and preferred diesel contracts to a one-time N70 million grid connection,” Akpabio lamented.
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, criticized the commission’s poor delivery despite significant funding.
“Over N7 trillion has been spent since inception. How many solid roads have you built? The Niger Delta still ranks low in human development,” she said.
In response, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku promised a shift towards transparency and partnerships.
“We don’t want to be defined by our past. We’re committed to creating a better future for the Niger Delta through collaboration with IOCs, traditional rulers, and stakeholders,” he said.
President Tinubu also called on the people of the Niger Delta to continue supporting his administration’s development efforts in the region.
