…Minister declares end to abandoned Projects

By Steve Oko

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

At the inauguration on Thursday, the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, emphasized the road’s significance in boosting socio-economic activities in the affected communities. He commended the NDDC’s new management for prioritizing the completion of abandoned projects, declaring that the era of stalled developments is over.

“No contractor engaged by NDDC will be allowed to abandon projects anymore,” the Minister stated. “We want to establish a culture of delivery so that future leadership of the commission remains committed to project execution.”

He urged the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC) and other development agencies to adopt NDDC’s approach to project completion. He also called for regional support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, promising further development in the Niger Delta.

Hon. Momoh praised Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for his developmental strides, describing them as complementary to federal efforts. He encouraged other Niger Delta governors to follow his example.

Speaking at the event, the Senate Committee Chairman on NDDC, Senator Asoquo Ekpeyong, highlighted the project as evidence of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure in the Niger Delta. However, he stressed that sustainable development requires a holistic approach, including mass housing, healthcare, education, and job creation.

Ekpeyong assured that the Senate would maintain legislative oversight to ensure the NDDC fulfills its mandate.

NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to executing projects based on community needs assessments. He noted that the NDDC collaborates with stakeholders to avoid duplication of efforts while complementing state governments’ initiatives.

Dr. Ogbuku thanked President Tinubu for his continued support and promised that NDDC would undertake additional projects across Abia’s senatorial districts to ensure balanced development.

Governor Alex Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Rev. Caleb Ajagba, lauded NDDC for the road project, describing it as a boost for agriculture and local commerce. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and pledged to collaborate with NDDC to enhance Abia’s development.

“We will continue to prioritize infrastructure, education, and healthcare to fast-track development,” Otti stated. “We urge the benefiting communities to take ownership and protect these projects.”

The President-General of Oboro community, Chief Matthew Ifenkwe, represented by Prince Kingsley Uwa, expressed gratitude for the new roads, calling them a major relief for residents long plagued by poor road conditions.

Senator Austin Akobundu (Abia Central) described the roads as strategically important for the region’s economy. He urged the NDDC to address the deplorable state of the Ariam/Usaka ring road, which has been included in the 2025 budget.

Similarly, Hon. Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South in the House of Representatives, appealed to NDDC for the successful execution of the Ariam/Usaka road to support the area’s agricultural sector.

Abia’s representative on the NDDC Board, Chief Dimgba Eruba, emphasized that the reconstructed roads would shorten travel times and align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

NDDC’s Executive Director of Projects, Hon. Victor Antai, revealed that the Ndoro-Ntalakwu road was originally awarded in 2009. The reconstruction includes 18.7 kilometers in Ikwuano LGA and 5.3 kilometers in Umuahia South LGA.

Antai highlighted the installation of solar-powered streetlights along the roads, which he said would improve security and facilitate social activities.

In response to a plea from the host community’s traditional ruler, HRM King Larry, Minister Momoh directed the NDDC to renovate the community’s primary school, which has been in a dilapidated state since its construction in the 1950s.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Patrick Ndubueze, and Anthony Ani, as well as other members of the Senate Committee on NDDC.