The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on February 23, 2025, inaugurated the reconstructed 9.6km Abraka–Oben Road, and flagged-off the rehabilitation of failed portions of the Abraka–Agbor Road (phase 1) in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The projects aims to improve transportation, boost economic activities, and enhance connectivity within the Niger Delta region, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed focus on infrastructure development.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, commended the NDDC for swiftly responding to President Tinubu’s directive to rehabilitate critical infrastructure in the region.
He acknowledged the importance of collaboration between the federal government, state governments, and interventionist agencies like the NDDC in addressing infrastructural challenges.
“I want to commend the NDDC for taking decisive action on this project,” Momoh said. “This is a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the lives of Niger Delta residents.
“I also urge state governments to see interventionist agencies as partners in progress rather than competitors. When we work together, our people benefit.”
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He also applauded Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his administration’s proactive approach to road infrastructure, particularly in addressing failed federal roads across the state.
Echoing the Minister’s remarks, NDDC Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, expressed satisfaction with the commission’s ongoing infrastructure projects in Delta State.
He reaffirmed the NDDC’s dedication to executing its board’s directives, stating that work was already progressing on the Abraka–Agbor Road and at Uromi Junction in Agbor.
“Our goal is to make a significant impact on the lives of Niger Delta residents through quality road infrastructure. This project is just one of many we have lined up to ensure smoother connectivity and economic development in the region,” Ebie stated.
Also speaking, NDDC Managing Director, Chief Sam Ogbuku, emphasized that the commission was working under President Tinubu’s guidance to improve infrastructure across the Niger Delta.
He highlighted previous interventions on the East-West Road, which had eased transportation difficulties for residents.
Ogbuku said “the NDDC is an interventionist agency, and we are here to complement the efforts of state governments. We recognize the contributions of Delta State in road infrastructure and remain committed to supporting such initiatives.”
Representing Governor Oborevwori at the event, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, reiterated Delta’s strong commitment to partnering with the federal government to drive socio-economic development.
He underscored the state’s numerous interventions on federal roads, including the Benin–Warri Highway, which had previously caused severe gridlock before the state stepped in to rehabilitate key sections.
He dismissed claims that the state was leaving all road projects to the NDDC, recalling that during Oborevwori’s tenure as speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, funds were approved for the Benin–Sapele Road rehabilitation, which eased transportation challenges.
He added that “we do not sit back and wait for interventionist agencies. The Delta State Government mobilizes contractors with up to 40 percent advance payments to cushion the impact of inflation and ensure projects are completed on schedule.”
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing capable leaders to oversee critical ministries, departments, and agencies, ensuring that governance delivers meaningful progress to Nigerians.
