The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh has announced that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is nearing completion of the 2-kilometre double-lane Kaa-Ataba Road and its two accompanying bridges, linking Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas in Rivers State.
During an inspection of the road and the 1.2-kilometre bridge, Momoh affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
He emphasised that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to deliver meaningful development across the region.
The Minister was joined by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe; NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; Executive Director of Projects, Dr. Victor Antai; Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; and other senior officials.
Commending the NDDC Board and Management, Momoh praised their swift response to the President’s mandate to fast-track regional development. He assured that the road and bridges would be completed before the end of the year.
He said, “I am pleased that the NDDC is doing very well, which is in line with President Tinubu’s directives.”
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC’s Managing Director, reiterated the Commission’s dedication to fulfilling the presidential mandate of transforming the oil-producing region. He pledged continued support to the contractors to ensure the timely completion of the project.
Ogbuku also addressed earlier concerns about the structural integrity of the bridge columns, noting that the issues stemming from years of delay had been resolved and that construction is now progressing rapidly.
He further stated that the NDDC remains committed to completing all ongoing regional projects, including roads, schools, bridges, and healthcare facilities, in line with President Tinubu’s vision for the Niger Delta.
He stated, “We are working with a competent contractor who has assured us that the project will be completed before the end of the year. We have just finished discussing this with the on-site engineers, and they are as determined as we are to deliver the project on schedule.
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“The project is one of the legacy projects which was captured in the 2024 budget of the commission as part of the fund approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to facilitate the completion of legacy projects across the region. The president’s approval also includes the Okrika-Borokiri Bridge in Rivers State, among others.”
He affirmed, “I can assure you that there’s funding to complete this project, and it will be completed on record time by the end of 2025. We are only praying that the weather will be kind to us.”
A representative of the Paramount Ruler of Ataba Kingdom in Andoni Local Government Area, Engr. Idan-Awaji Erasmus said his people were happy to see the Minister coming to inspect the project.
He noted: “We are delighted because this project is so dear to our hearts. Completing it will be a significant boost for economic and social activities, improving the lives of the Ataba people.
“We, the people of Ataba, are very peaceful and cooperative. We assure the NDDC that we will cooperate with the contractor to ensure the project is completed on schedule.”
The inspection team also visited the ongoing work at the 3.65-kilometre Borokiri-Okrika Road and three bridges at the Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Minister equally inspected the Niger Delta Regional Hospital, which specialises in cardiovascular and orthopaedic care, in Port Harcourt.
