Tinubu Orders NDDC To Finish Abandoned Niger Delta Projects

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to urgently complete all abandoned major infrastructure projects across the Niger Delta region.

He gave the order during the commission’s 25th anniversary celebration held in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

The directive was delivered through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who represented the President at the event. Tinubu’s message made it clear that his administration considers the Niger Delta a central part of Nigeria’s development goals due to its contributions to national growth, especially through oil production.

Tinubu specifically pointed to key abandoned projects including the Ka-Ataba Bridge, Okrika-Borokiri Bridge, Bonny Ring Road, Barigolo Road and bridges, and the East West Sampou roads. These projects, once completed, are expected to boost connectivity and spur economic activities in the region.

To ensure delivery, the President has tasked the NDDC to work closely with the Ministry of Regional Development to fast-track construction and handover of the projects. He also promised full government support for the commission to help it meet its mandate.

At the event, Tinubu encouraged the NDDC to focus more on human capital development and programmes that have direct impact on rural communities. He praised the commission’s “Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative, which he said had improved security, extended business hours, and made social life more active at night in some communities.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio used the occasion to recall the role played by the National Assembly in creating the NDDC 25 years ago. He described the anniversary as an opportunity to reaffirm support for the commission’s work.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan also sent a message, urging the NDDC to start shifting its development strategy away from dependence on oil and toward renewable energy and other sustainable ventures. He said the region’s future will depend on how the commission evolves in the next 25 years.

World Trade Organisation Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, noted that the NDDC must move from lofty visions to visible results. She said the people of the Niger Delta deserve measurable improvements in their living standards.

The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, also gave updates on recently completed projects, such as the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Emakalakala-Akipelai-Etiama-Nembe Road, which includes seven bridges. Other completed works include major roads and bridges in Akwa Ibom and a power substation in Ondo State.

Momoh described these projects as evidence of the NDDC’s renewed commitment, saying President Tinubu was particularly impressed with the commission’s current leadership. He acknowledged the challenges of developing the region but noted that the NDDC had made progress in improving lives through infrastructure.

NDDC Board Chairman, Chiedu Ebie, stressed the importance of working with local stakeholders to ensure inclusive development. He said the current leadership was focused on collaboration and transparency.

The NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, described the anniversary as the beginning of a new chapter for the commission and the region. He said the next phase of the NDDC’s journey would focus on delivering long-promised benefits to the people of the Niger Delta.