By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
NNPC Ltd., and its joint venture (JV) partners – Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), TotalEnergies, and Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOCin collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), have inaugurated the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State.
This is part of activities to mark the one-year anniversary of the President Bola Tinubu administration, according to a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. Olufemi Soneye.
The project, said to be valued at N24.5billion, traverses mangrove forests with seven bridges and five culverts, and connects 14 communities.
Speaking at the inauguration in Nembe on Monday, the Minister of the Niger Delta, Abubakar Momoh, who represented Mr. Tinubu, was quoted as saying that the project aligned with the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for sustainable development in the Niger Delta region in particular and Nigeria in general.
“This project is evidence of what good partnerships can bring to communities,” the President said, urging other oil companies to collaborate with the NNPC and the NDDC to deliver transformative projects.
Earlier in his remarks, the NNPC Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Bala Wunti, represented by Obinna Aralu, expressed satisfaction with the completion of the road, describing it as “a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision.”
He said the road is more than just infrastructure as it symbolizes progress, connectivity, and opportunities for the Nembe people through seamless transportation, increase in economic activities and general improvement in the quality of life.
Wunti also thanked all the partners and stakeholders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project.
…the road is more than just infrastructure as it symbolizes progress, connectivity, and opportunities for the Nembe people through seamless transportation, increase in economic activities and general improvement in the quality of life.
On his part, the Managing Director, SPDC/Country Chairman, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, highlighting the transformative impact of the project, said it “will connect communities to the city center, boost economic activities, and reduce risks associated with river transport.
Okunbor reiterated Shell’s commitment to partnering with government agencies to deliver projects that are beneficial to the people of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Managing Director, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the Commission is dedicated to completing projects that serve urgent needs in communities across the Niger Delta.
The Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, represented by his Deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commended the NDDC, NNPC and its partners for the project.
The epoch-making event was highly attended by top government officials and traditional rulers from Bayelsa State, including the Senate Committee Chairman on Niger Delta, Asuquo Ekpeyong; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta, Erhiatake Ibori-Senu; Chairman, NDDC Governing Board, Chiedu Ebie; the Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII; and the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Dumaro Charles Owaba III.
The completion and inauguration of the Ogbia-Nembe Road is said to mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts by the NNPC and its partners to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
