The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to complete all ongoing projects in the Niger Delta region.
These projects include those in Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated this after inspecting the canalisation of Oporoza Creek.
He said that the project would provide easy access and navigation for the communities and the oil company operating in the Gbaramatu kingdom.
The NDDC boss, who was accompanied by the Executive Director of Projects, Mr Charles Ogunmola, and other directors of the commission, assured that work on all infrastructure projects would be completed to positively impact the lives of the people.
The NDDC inspection team also paid a courtesy visit to the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, King Oboro Gbaruan II, at his palace in Oporoza.
Dr Ogbuku identified Escravos as an area of special economic priority, saying the NDDC was taking steps to make it more accessible by rallying the support of stakeholders for a broad partnership that will expedite the construction and completion of the Warri-Omadino-Escravos Road.
We have reached out to Chevron Nigeria Limited and other stakeholders, seeking partnership for the completion of this road and other projects.
“We chose the Public Private Partnership, model as an alternative source of funding for the commission. So, we have been going about seeking funding partners to complete our current projects and also start new ones.”
He noted that the partnership between the Shell Petroleum Development Company and the NDDC in the construction of the 25.735-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road should be replicated for other projects.
The traditional ruler of the Gbaramatu kingdom, King Oboro Gbaruan II, urged the NDDC to ensure that none of its projects was abandoned, noting that the non-completion of projects was responsible for the slow pace of development in the Niger Delta region.