The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has called on stakeholders to collaborate in advancing the development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region. Boma Iyaye, the Commission’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration, made this appeal during a Stakeholders’ Interactive Forum on the Borikiri-Okrika Bridge Project in Rivers State.
Iyaye emphasized that teamwork is essential for driving meaningful progress to benefit the people of the region. He described the Borikiri-Okrika Bridge as a critical project poised to stimulate development in Rivers State. He highlighted the economic significance of Borikiri and Okrika as key hubs in the oil and gas industry, noting their pivotal roles in the region’s and Nigeria’s overall economic growth.
“Development must prioritize the people’s needs over political interests,” Iyaye remarked, adding that sustainable development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
He further revealed that the bridge project, originally awarded in 2012, had experienced multiple delays due to various challenges. However, the current NDDC Board identified its completion as a priority, deeming it a legacy initiative. Iyaye also mentioned the Kaa-Ataba Bridge, which connects Khana and Andoni local government areas in Rivers State, as another significant project under the commission’s focus.
“We are pleased to note that the Kaa-Ataba Bridge project is progressing well, and the contractors have assured us that vehicles will begin accessing it before the year ends,” Iyaye informed stakeholders.
A statement by the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, explained that delays in completing some major projects were due to the absence of an approved budget over the past four years.
“However, with the approval of the 2024 NDDC budget by the President, funding provisions for these legacy projects have now been secured,” Iyaye said.
In his goodwill message, the Amayanabo of Kirike Kingdom, Okrika, King Tamuno-Omisiki Opuiyo, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for engaging with stakeholders and pledged the cooperation of his community to ensure the project’s timely completion.
Similarly, the Amanyanabo of Bolo Kingdom, King Micah Acheseinimie Frank, urged Niger Deltans to separate politics from development efforts. On behalf of other stakeholders, Dr. Sampson Parker, a former Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NDDC for reviving the Borikiri-Okrika Bridge project.