PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has reiterated his government’s commitment towards the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
The made the statement at the inauguration of the 27-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe road in Bayelsa, with seven bridges, which was jointly funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Tinubu, represented by the Minister for Delta Affairs, Mr. Abubakar Momoh, said his administration was serious about delivering democracy dividends to Nigerians, urging citizens to make meaningful inputs towards the success of his administration.
He said the road project, which took 18 years to complete, has brought relief to the 14 communities within its corridors, noting that similar funding model should be deployed by other international oil companies to implement more development projects in the region.
Also speaking, NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, commended the President for his renewed vigour in funding development projects in the Niger Delta, saying the project exemplified the inherent potential in using public private partnership for development funding, adding: “The President is committed to the development of the Niger Delta region. His leadership style has renewed our hopes.”
Managing Director of SPDC, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, said the oil multinational was delighted by the completion of the project, applauding the NDDC for religiously implementing its part of the funding arrangement.
Baylesa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, said the state was delighted that the road, which was conceived in the 1940s, had been completed.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said the Nembe-Brass road was stalled in 2007 until the state government commenced funding in 2013.
“We found out that the contractor was having three challenges, such as insecurity, community agitations and funding gaps.
“We brought all parties to the table and provided N3billion, reinforced security and spoke to the communities to support the project.
“Sadly, our inputs are not reflected in the narrative here today,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to join the state government in the ongoing 21-kilometre Nembe-Brass road, which aims to hit the Brass Oil Export Terminal.
