NDDC finishes 600km of roads in three years, MD

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has completed over 600 kilometres of roads in the Niger Delta in the last three years.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, shared this during a visit from Heads of Service across Nigeria at the commission’s office in Port Harcourt.

Mr Ogbuku’s comments were included in a statement released on Thursday by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.

Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, spoke on behalf of Mr Ogbuku. He said the commission is dedicated to changing the Niger Delta with meaningful projects.

“We have finished over 600 kilometres of roads and several bridges in the last three years,” he stated.

He mentioned that the Kaa-Ataba Bridge, which is 1.2 kilometres long, is one of the longest in Nigeria and is almost complete. It will be inaugurated soon.

Mr Ogbuku noted that the commission’s work on infrastructure has raised public confidence and improved connections in the area.

He also said the NDDC has gone digital to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

“The commission has gone paperless by digitising its transactions, including how we handle procurement,” he said.

He mentioned that the NDDC has built better partnerships with state governments and organizations like Shell, Nigerian LNG Limited, and Chevron to execute important projects.

Mr Ogbuku also talked about the revival of the foreign postgraduate scholarship scheme and the start of a local postgraduate scholarship program.

He said this initiative has opened doors for around 600 more beneficiaries in the Niger Delta.

According to him, the commission has spent more than N6 billion on small businesses through the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture.

“This effort aims to boost economic growth and cut down poverty in the region,” he stated.

The NDDC head also mentioned the building and equipping of health facilities and free medical outreach programs as some of the commission's successes in health.

He linked the rise in crude oil production in the Niger Delta to better cooperation with security agencies and youth engagement programs that have helped lessen oil theft.

Mr Ogbuku also pointed out the success of the Light Up the Niger Delta program, which has provided solar-powered street lights to communities in the area.

Earlier, Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, praised the NDDC for its digital initiative.

Represented by Ishiayaku Muhammed, the permanent secretary of Service Policies and Strategic Office, Mrs Walson-Jack said this initiative fits with the federal government’s order for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to go paperless.

She stressed the need for stronger teamwork with the NDDC and pointed out that staff welfare, training, and capacity building are key to improving public service delivery.

“The NDDC’s reforms and development efforts have greatly helped the growth of the Niger Delta region,” she said.