The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is set to commission 92 infrastructure projects valued at over N84 billion across five states in the region within the next two weeks.
This announcement was made in a statement by the Director of Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Mr. Pius Ughakpoteni, which was made available to our correspondent in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Sunday.
“With a forward-looking, innovative and result-oriented roadmap, the commission is well-equipped towards ensuring a holistic and sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful,” Ughakpoteni stated.
He added that the NDDC management “would explore means of reducing recurrent expenditure while focusing on completing capital projects.”
Ughakpoteni further revealed, “In the light of the above, NDDC will, in the next two weeks, commission 92 infrastructure projects executed at a cost of N84 billion across the nine mandate states in the region.”
Among the major projects is the 25.7 km Ogbia-Nembe Road, which establishes a road link to the ancient city of Nembe.
This project, costing N24 billion, includes 9.15 km of pre-fabricated vertical drains on the swamp and seven bridges.
It significantly reduces travel time to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, from 3 hours on dangerous water routes to 45 minutes and opens up 14 communities for development.
Another key project is the 132KV Transmission Line and 132KV/33KV sub-station electrification project in Ondo State, executed at a cost of N8.3 billion.
This project aims to optimise the power supply to Local Government Areas in the southern part of the state.
It covers the construction of 45 km double circuit 33KV feeder lines from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa and includes two 30MVA, 132/33KV injection substations with breakers, gantry, and substation automation.
The project also features the construction of a 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalow as service quarters and the provision of 2 x 60MVA, 132/33KV transformers at Okitipupa injection sub-station.
Additionally, it involves the rehabilitation of a 35 km 33/11KV transmission line from Okitipupa to Igbokoda and the construction of a 1 km rigid pavement.
Ughakpoteni noted, “The electricity project will complement the Federal Government’s effort in power sector development by improving power supply to Okitipupa, Igbokoda and other neighbouring communities in Ondo South Senatorial District, with direct value chain in small and medium scale industries, job creation and consequently engender growth and development in Ondo State.”
In Akwa Ibom State, the NDDC will commission the 6.87 km Iko-Iwuochang road in Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District.
In Abia State, the commission will unveil the Obehie to Oke Ikpe road, reconstructed at a cost of N3.5 billion.
Other projects set for commissioning include roads, electrification, a police station, health centres, and school blocks, spanning various states in the Niger Delta.
