The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd) has praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its collaboration with the state government.
Ibas also commended the NDDC for initiating vital infrastructure projects, including the ongoing Kaa-Ataba Bridge linking Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas and the Okrika-Borokiri Bridge in Okrika LGA of the state.
He made the remarks while receiving the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
The Minister was accompanied by NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, along with senior officials from the Ministry and the Commission.
Describing the NDDC projects as “economic arteries,” the Administrator noted their potential to connect communities and improve livelihoods. He welcomed the Minister’s visit, calling it a step toward aligning federal and state development efforts.
His words, “We must eliminate bottlenecks, focus on genuine needs, and ensure that our interventions have meaningful impact where they’re most needed.
“Infrastructure remains a major need, and so is social investment, human capital development, and economic inclusion. A bridge that doesn’t lead to opportunities is a bridge half built.
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“The Niger Delta is endowed with vast natural and human resources and should adopt development models that stimulate regional and national economic growth.
“We must focus on innovation hubs, industrial clusters, agro-processing zones, digital infrastructure, skill acquisition centres, and youth enterprise development programs.”
He urged closer cooperation among the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, the NDDC, the newly established South-South Commission, and the Rivers State Government.
He also encouraged development partners to broaden their focus beyond physical infrastructure, by investing in innovation hubs, industrial clusters, digital centres, and skills acquisition programs.
Highlighting the importance of a well-rounded development strategy, the SOLAD emphasized that real progress in the Niger Delta must include economic empowerment and human capital development alongside infrastructure.
In his response, Minister Momoh stated that his visit was part of a nationwide tour to assess both ongoing and abandoned NDDC projects, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to complete all outstanding initiatives in the region.
The Minister also commended Ibas for maintaining peace and stability in Rivers State, which he noted has helped attract investment and revitalise economic activity.
