Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to uphold strict standards of quality, transparency, and community relevance in the execution of projects across the Niger Delta.
The governor made the call on Monday at the Government House, Asaba, while hosting members of the joint National Assembly Committees on the NDDC during an oversight visit.
Gov. Oborevwori stressed that the true value of development lies not in the number of contracts awarded but in the durability and impact of completed projects.
He warned against poorly executed jobs, noting that substandard infrastructure undermines public trust and wastes scarce resources.
According to him, contractors must be selected based on competence and capacity, with large-scale infrastructure reserved for firms with proven expertise, while smaller projects can be handled by capable local contractors.
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Drawing attention to key infrastructure, the governor identified the Omadino–Okerenkoko/Escravos Road as a strategic project that must meet the highest standards, given its economic and social significance.
He disclosed that the state government is collaborating with the federal government to accelerate work on the project.
On governance and accountability, Gov. Oborevwori revealed that his administration has strengthened monitoring systems, including channels for public feedback on project performance.
He cited a recent case in Warri where a poorly executed school roofing project was flagged and corrected following intervention by the state.
He also emphasized that development initiatives must reflect the actual needs of communities, explaining that projects implemented through government officials are based on direct engagement and assessments at the grassroots level.
The governor reiterated that Delta State has continued to intervene in critical federal road projects within its territory due to their importance to economic activities, even when such efforts involve additional financial commitments like compensation.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, said the visit formed part of the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to evaluate the performance and impact of NDDC interventions across member states.
He praised the Oborevwori administration for its achievements in infrastructure, urban renewal, and social programmes, noting that these efforts have contributed to improved living conditions in Delta State.
Sen. Ekpenyong assured that the Senate Committee would intensify its oversight to ensure that NDDC projects are completed on time and deliver meaningful outcomes, while maintaining collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
In a separate interaction with journalists, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, said the oversight exercise was designed to move beyond documentation and focus on real-time assessment of projects.
She explained that the committee is committed to verifying the status, quality, and impact of NDDC projects through on-site inspections and engagement with host communities.
Rep. Ibori-Suenu noted that issues such as abandoned projects, delays, and poor workmanship would receive serious attention, warning that contractors who fail to meet expectations would be held accountable.
She commended the Delta State government for its proactive approach to infrastructure development and quality assurance, describing it as a benchmark for governance in the Niger Delta.
