By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has intensified its commitment to improving road infrastructure in Delta State with the inauguration of the reconstructed 9.6km Abraka–Oben Road and the flag-off of repairs on failed sections of the Abraka–Agbor Road.
The projects, launched in Ethiope East Local Government Area, align with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed focus on infrastructure development, aiming to ease transportation, stimulate economic growth, and enhance connectivity in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, lauded the NDDC for swiftly responding to President Tinubu’s directive to rehabilitate critical roads. He emphasized the need for synergy between the federal government, state governments, and interventionist agencies to tackle infrastructural challenges.
“I commend the NDDC for taking decisive action on this project. This is a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the lives of Niger Delta residents,” Momoh said. “State governments must see interventionist agencies as partners in progress rather than competitors. When we work together, our people benefit.”
The Minister also acknowledged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration for its proactive approach to road infrastructure, particularly in addressing failed federal roads across Delta State.
Echoing similar sentiments, NDDC Chairman, Chiedu Ebie, expressed satisfaction with the commission’s ongoing infrastructure projects in the state. He reassured residents 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.
NDDC Managing Director, Chief Sam Ogbuku, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to improving infrastructure under President Tinubu’s leadership, citing past interventions on the East-West Road that had significantly eased transportation challenges.
“The NDDC is an interventionist agency, and we are here to complement the efforts of state governments. We recognize Delta State’s contributions to road infrastructure and remain committed to supporting such initiatives,” Ogbuku added.
Representing Governor Oborevwori, the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, emphasized the state’s readiness to collaborate with the federal government on infrastructural development. He dismissed claims that the state was leaving all road projects to the NDDC, noting that the government had taken proactive steps to rehabilitate critical roads, including the Benin–Warri Highway.
“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,” Izeze said.
He further expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for appointing capable leaders to oversee ministries and agencies, ensuring that governance delivers tangible development to the people.
With these strategic road projects underway, residents of Delta State and the wider Niger Delta region are set to benefit from improved road networks, facilitating economic growth and regional integration.