By Abimbola Ogunnaike
The Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) has disclosed that it would commission 92 infrastructure projects valued at over N84 billion across five states in the region in the next two weeks.
This is according to a statement by The Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Mr. Pius Ughakpoteni, made this disclosure in a statement made available to media houses on Sunday, 19 May, 2024 in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital
“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,” adding that the NDDC’s management “would explore means of reducing recurrent expenditure, while focusing on completing capital projects.
“And 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,” the statement partly read.
The projects include the 25.7 km Ogbia-Nembe Road which creates a road link to the ancient city of Nembe. For the first time in living memory, the 9.15 km of pre-fabricated vertical drains on the swamp and seven bridges are also among the star projects in the area.
These projects executed at the cost of N24 billion, cut the traveling time to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital from 3 hours on dangerous water routes to 45 minutes and also opened up 14 communities for development.
Also slated for commissioning are the 132KV Transmission Line and I32KV/33KV sub-station electrification project, executed at a cost of N8.3bn to optimise power supply to Local Government Areas in the southern part of Ondo State.
The project covers the construction of 45km double circuit 33KV feeder lines from Omotosho Power Station (Hook-up point) to Okitipupa and two 30MVA, 132/33KV injection substations with breakers, gantry and substation automation. It also includes the construction of a 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalow as service quarters.
The capacity of the power station is optimised with the provision of 2 x 60MVA, 132/33KV transformer and other ancillary works at Okitipupa injection sub-station, rehabilitation of 35km 33/11KV transmission from Okitipupa-Igbokoda-Ugbonla and environs and the construction of 1km rigid pavement.
The electricity project will complement the Federal Government’s effort in the 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.
Ughakpoteni also noted that in Akwa Ibom State, the NDDC will commission the 6.87 km Iko-Iwuochang road in Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District of the state.
In Abia State, the commission will unveil the Obehie to Oke Ikpe road reconstructed at a cost of N3.5bn, among others.
Other projects for commissioning during the event include roads, electrification, a police station, health centres and school blocks.
