The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to collaborate with state governments to rehabilitate dilapidated Federal roads across the Niger Delta region, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing regional infrastructure.
Speaking during the commissioning of the newly constructed NDDC State Office in Warri recently, Governor Oborevwori described the edifice as a symbol of collective commitment to development, inclusivity and improved service delivery.
He noted that real progress requires “collaboration and renewed dedication to improving infrastructure, education, healthcare and empowerment”.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (2nd right), unveils the plaque to commission the NDDC Delta State Office at Edjeba, Warri, while being joined by NDDC Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie (2nd left); Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku (behind the Governor); and Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh (right), among others.
The Governor urged the NDDC to prioritize the repair of failed roads that have brought untold hardship to commuters. He disclosed that the Delta State Government had already approved ₦35.7 billion for the reconstruction of the Warri/Sapele/Benin Road, from Effurun Roundabout to after Ohore Junction, a major route connecting Delta with Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River States.
Governor Oborevwori also expressed readiness to partner with the Commission on the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road and other vital infrastructure projects, adding that a joint meeting between the Delta State Government, Chevron and the NDDC would be held early next month to determine next steps.
Commending the NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for his leadership and development-driven approach, Oborevwori said the new office stands as “a mark of institutional stability and renewed purpose”.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (left), greets the Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Orodje of Okpe, HRM Major-General Felix Mujakperuo (Retd.), alongside other traditional rulers during the official commissioning of the NDDC Delta State Office in Warri.
The Governor also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has “strengthened state finances, fostered inclusivity and restored public confidence in governance”.
“No state in Nigeria pays contractors faster than we do in Delta. We are not borrowing and we owe no contractor”, he affirmed, pledging continued transparency and accountability in his administration.
In his remarks, Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, stated that President Tinubu had directed the NDDC to complete all abandoned projects in the region. He highlighted completed projects such as the restoration of electricity in Okitipupa after 15 years of blackout, construction of key bridges and substations, and various health and education initiatives across Niger Delta states.
He urged NDDC staff to “maintain newly built facilities and remain non-partisan”, while reaffirming that the Commission serves all Niger Delta communities equally.
Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, both reiterated their commitment to partnering with Delta and other states in delivering sustainable and transformative development.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (left) discusses with the Minister for Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, during the commissioning of the Niger Delta Development Commission’s Delta State Office in Warri.
Ebie noted that the 7th Governing Board, appointed by President Tinubu, had enhanced the Commission’s governance structure through the adoption of a new transparency framework developed in collaboration with KPMG.
Ogbuku said the new Delta office was part of the NDDC’s transition “from transactions to transformation”, with similar infrastructure being developed across the region. He disclosed ongoing partnerships with Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) on infrastructure projects worth ₦650 billion, including major roads and bridges.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to accountability, strategic partnerships and timely delivery of legacy projects that would “transform the lives of Niger Deltans”.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC;Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Chairman, House Committee on NDDC;Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly;HRM, Major-General Felix Mujakperuo (Retd.), Orodje of Okpe and Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council; other revered traditional rulers, dignitaries and government officials.
