ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has assured the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of a robust partnership to deliver sustainable mega projects that will enhance the socio-economic lives of the people of Delta State.
The governor made this commitment on Friday while receiving the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, and his management team in Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori expressed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to complete several abandoned projects in the state and to execute new ones.
He voiced his concerns about the numerous unfinished NDDC projects, both in Delta State and across the Niger Delta region.
“When I came in, there were some projects that the NDDC was doing that they were unable to complete,” he said. “There are abandoned projects, and I am happy that you mentioned it here. We have completed some of those projects ourselves.”
The governor highlighted key infrastructure projects that the state had taken over due to their significance, despite being federal responsibilities.
He pointed to the Sector C 2 road, which runs from Ughelli to Asaba, and the DSC and Effurun roundabouts as examples.
“We engaged Julius Berger for those projects because we are the ones using the roads, even though they are federal roads,” Oborevwori noted. “Other people that are coming are just visitors. So you must make your place good for people to pass.”
Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of effective partnership between the state and the NDDC to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure transparency.
He recounted an incident where the NDDC reportedly took credit for a road project that the state government had already completed. “There was one incident where a road that was given to a contractor—when we intervened in the project, we were shocked to see that the same road had an NDDC signpost on it in December,” he explained.
“My Chief Press Secretary had to issue a press statement.”