The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its commitment to delivering major infrastructure projects in the Niger Delta, assuring that the 2-kilometre double-lane Kaa-Ataba Road and its two bridges linking Khana Local Government Area to Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers State will be completed soon.
Speaking during an inspection visit to the road and the 1.2-kilometre-long bridge, Momoh described the project as a clear demonstration of the federal government’s determination to accelerate development in the oil-producing region. He was joined on the inspection by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Executive Director of Projects, Dr. Victor Antai, the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, and other senior officials of the Commission.
Momoh praised the NDDC Board and Management for aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to prioritise and deliver impactful projects. “I am pleased that the NDDC is doing very well, which is in line with President Tinubu’s directives,” he said. The Minister added that completing the bridge and road would mark a significant milestone in the administration’s goal to transform the Niger Delta, expressing confidence that the project would be finished before the end of the year.
NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the presidential mandate of changing the development narrative in the region. He said the Commission was working closely with a competent contractor who had given assurances of completing the work before year-end. Discussions with on-site engineers, he noted, confirmed that they were equally determined to meet the deadline.
Ogbuku stressed that the project is one of several legacy projects funded through the 2024 NDDC budget, approved by President Tinubu, to ensure the completion of critical infrastructure across the Niger Delta. This includes the Okrika-Borokiri Bridge in Rivers State and other regional road, bridge, school, and healthcare projects.
Addressing earlier concerns over the structural integrity of the project’s columns due to delays, Ogbuku stated that the issues had been resolved and that construction was now advancing at a faster pace. He assured that funding was secured for timely completion, projecting that the road would be ready by the end of 2025, while noting that favourable weather conditions would be key to meeting the target.
Representing the Paramount Ruler of the Ataba Kingdom, Engr. Idan-Awaji Erasmus expressed the community’s appreciation for the Minister’s visit. He said the Ataba people view the road and bridges as vital to their economic and social well-being, promising full cooperation with the NDDC and contractors to ensure the project’s completion. “We are delighted because this project is so dear to our hearts. Completing it will be a significant boost for economic and social activities, improving the lives of the Ataba people,” he said.
The inspection team also toured the ongoing 3.65-kilometre Borokiri-Okrika Road project, which includes three bridges in Okrika Local Government Area, as well as the Niger Delta Regional Hospital in Port Harcourt.
The hospital, designed to specialise in cardiovascular and orthopaedic care, was described by Project Coordinator Arc. Ozuruole Ajie as an enduring healthcare legacy for the region. The Minister’s visit, alongside NDDC management, was seen as a strong signal of the federal government’s commitment to completing infrastructure that directly impacts the economic, social, and health needs of communities across the Niger Delta.
