The Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Saturday commissioned a state-of- the art strategic naval base in Ayakoro, Ogbia Local Goveenment Area of Bayelsa State.
NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, in an address, assured the people of the Niger-Delta region of President Ahmed Tinubus’ love, stressing his determination to develop the region.
Ogbuku justified siting of the naval base in Ayakoro, saying, it was strategic because of its critical positioning as a gateway for kidnappers and those involved in illegal oil bunkering, and artisanal oil refining.
He said the partnership with the navy and other security agencies across the Niger-Delta region was informed by the reasoning that security and development are intertwined.
Ogbuku praised the security agencies for their sacrifices and ensuring projects are completed on schedule, adding that “they are the ones out there ensuring that we sleep peacefully, and because they have done their jobs very well, that is why you see projects springing up across the Niger-Delta region.”
He claimed that the Niger-Delta is the most peaceful region in Nigeria due mainly to the efforts of security agencies, adding that in the past many contractors were scared of working in many parts of the region due to insecurity.
He praised President Ahmed Tinubu for putting together “these officers and men that have worked tirelessly in the region to promote peace”.
According to him, President Tinubu gave the NDDC board marching orders upon assumption of office for a “reformed and renewed NDDC”, stressing that the board has strictly adhered to the directives of the president which has resulted in impactful projects being delivered.
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He highlighted other areas of NDDC’s intervention to include education, agriculture, infrastructure and other areas, adding that a 750-bed hostel accommodation in the Niger-Delta University, Amassoma, which will be completed in November 2025, was one of such interventions.
Clever Akpotu, a community leader, said the event was a clear testament of the determination of the current administration to enhance security in the waterways.
He expressed gratitude for the appointment of Ogbuku, who hails from the community as helmsman of the regional interventionist agency.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, said the provision of the naval base was a demonstration of a clear understanding of the security needs of the coastal communities and the critical role the navy plays in protecting lives, livelihoods and economic assets in the region.
