In a recent address at the conclusion of a three-day Stakeholders Summit organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt, President Bola Tinubu outlined plans to expedite the rehabilitation of the East-West Road linking Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom. Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu expressed a commitment to support the NDDC in realizing his Renewed Hope Agenda for the Niger Delta populace. This agenda encompasses critical areas such as food security, poverty alleviation, inclusivity, job creation, anti-corruption, and adherence to the rule of law.
President Tinubu underscored the imperative for a strategic shift within the commission to effect tangible transformation in the region. Notably, he highlighted the necessity of swift action towards completing the significant East-West Road project for sustainable regional development.
Highlighting further initiatives, Akpabio, acting on behalf of President Tinubu, revealed plans for the NDDC to secure a substantial N1 trillion loan to address outstanding projects within the region. Additionally, he confirmed the initiation of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project simultaneously from both states, emphasizing a renewed resolve to expedite infrastructural progress in the Niger Delta. Akpabio reassured stakeholders that financial constraints would no longer impede project execution, stressing the redirecting of NDDC funds exclusively towards regional development. The National Assembly, he mentioned, stands in approval of the current strategic direction of the NDDC and is poised to ensure the timely completion of the East-West Road during their tenure.
During his address at the summit, former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan highlighted the original mandate of the NDDC, stressing the need to revisit its core objective of infrastructure development, environmental enhancement, and livelihood improvement in the Niger Delta. Drawing attention to past deviations from this mandate under previous leadership, Jonathan lauded the recent progress witnessed in the region since the inception of the current administration. He called upon the political class to accord the NDDC management and board the necessary support to fulfill their mandate effectively, urging a renewed focus on addressing the numerous abandoned projects scattered across the nine NDDC states.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, during his address, appealed to the Federal Government for prompt action to alleviate the prevailing challenges in the region.