…As FG Calls for More Collaboration to Deliver Sustainable Projects

L-R: Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Minister of Niger Delta, Hon. Abubakar Momoh; MD/CEO NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; SPDC MD and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor; Rep of the CUIO NUIMS, Obinna Aralu; His Eminence, King Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom and His Eminence, King Dumaro Charles Owaba, The Obanobhan III of Ogbia Kingdom during the commissioning of the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State, on Monday.

In celebration of the one-year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd, in collaboration with its joint venture partners and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has commissioned the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State. The project, valued at N24.5 billion, features seven bridges and five culverts, connecting 14 communities through the mangrove forests.

The commissioning ceremony, held in Nembe on Monday, saw the Minister of the Niger Delta, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In his address, Engr. Momoh stated that the project aligns with the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for sustainable development in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, urging other oil companies to partner with NNPC Ltd and NDDC for transformative projects.

NNPC Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Mr. Bala Wunti, represented by Mr. Obinna Aralu, expressed satisfaction with the completion of the road. He described it as a symbol of progress and connectivity that will enhance economic activities and improve the quality of life for the Nembe people. Wunti thanked all partners and stakeholders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project.

Mr. Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, highlighted the road’s transformative impact. He noted that the project would connect communities to city centers, boost economic activities, and reduce the risks associated with river transport. Okunbor reaffirmed Shell’s commitment to partnering with government agencies to deliver beneficial projects in the Niger Delta region.

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of NDDC, expressed the commission’s dedication to completing projects that address urgent community needs across the Niger Delta region. Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commended NDDC, NNPC Ltd, and their partners for their efforts in realizing the project.

The event was attended by top government officials and traditional rulers from Bayelsa State, including Senate Committee Chairman on Niger Delta, Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong; Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Senu; Chairman of NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie; Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII; and Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Dumaro Charles Owaba III.

The completion and commissioning of the Ogbia-Nembe Road mark a significant milestone in NNPC Ltd and its partners’ ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.