— Seek probe of contract

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been asked to investigate the abandonment of the Agadagba-Obon to Arogbo bridge project in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

In an open letter petition, President of the Arogbo Ijaw Youth Forum, Comrade Kpainko Thaddeus, and concerned citizen Pharm. Allen Seiosuwowei Ebi, said the project had been abandoned for over 11 years despite raising hopes for the community.

Between 2011 and 2015, residents of Arogbo Kingdom received news of the approved bridge linking Agadagba-Obon to Arogbo, which sparked widespread excitement.

“For decades, our people had endured severe infrastructural neglect and developmental marginalisation. The project represented more than just a bridge; it symbolised hope, economic liberation, social integration, and long-overdue governmental recognition,” the petitioners said.

They stated that the project was facilitated by the NDDC, established to address infrastructural and developmental gaps in the Niger Delta. The contract was allegedly awarded to Italian firm Picolo Brunelli Engineering Limited.

Preliminary work began, with the company mobilizing to site, clearing roads, and demolishing some houses along the proposed corridor. Compensation was reportedly paid to some affected property owners.

“Sadly, after those initial activities, the project abruptly came to a standstill and has since become another tragic example of abandoned government projects in Nigeria,” they said.

For over 11 years, the petitioners said, the people have received no official explanation from the NDDC or the contractor on the status of the project.

“Credible information suggests that substantial funds may have been disbursed for this project. However, there is absolutely nothing tangible on the ground to justify such expenditure,” the letter read.

They urged the EFCC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the NDDC, the contractors, and all parties connected to the project.

“Should anyone be found culpable of corruption, financial misconduct, contract inflation, diversion of funds, or abuse of office, we urge your office to ensure that justice is served,” they stated.

The petitioners praised the EFCC’s current leadership under President Bola Tinubu for restoring confidence in the fight against corruption, saying it was why they brought the matter before the commission.

They stressed that the bridge remains critical to Arogbo Kingdom, the ancestral headquarters of the people. Its absence, they said, continues to hinder transportation, economic growth, education, healthcare, and overall development.

“This bridge was supposed to mark the beginning of a new era for Arogbo Kingdom. Unfortunately, it has now become a symbol of broken promises, administrative negligence, and possible corruption,” they said.

The youths said while many political and traditional leaders have remained silent, they could not stay quiet while the project faded into oblivion without accountability.

“The people of Arogbo Kingdom deserve answers, transparency, and justice. We sincerely look forward to your intervention and hope this matter receives the urgent attention it deserves,” the petition concluded.