Honourable Minister Of Regional Development-Engr.-Momoh,-and-MD-CEO-of-NDDC-Dr.-Samuel-Ogbuku-Meets-Rivers-State-Administrator,-Admiral-Ibas,-On-Ongoing-NDDV Projects Inspection

Honourable Minister Of Regional Development Engr. Momoh, and MD/CEO of NDDC Dr. Samuel Ogbuku Meets Rivers State Administrator, Admiral Ibas, On Ongoing NDDC Projects Inspectiom 

Dave Ikiedei Asei 
Published by NIGER DELTA-PROGRESS-REPORTERS 
August 9th, 2025
Photo credit: Samfus TV

Strengthening Collaboration for Regional Development
In a strategic move to accelerate the completion of critical infrastructure projects in Rivers State, the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta and Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, paid a working visit to the Rivers State Administrator, Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd). The high-level meeting focused on strengthening intergovernmental collaboration, reviewing the progress of ongoing NDDC projects, and addressing challenges that have hindered their timely completion.
A Shared Vision for Development
Engr. Momoh emphasized that the visit was part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to ensure that development interventions in the Niger Delta are people-centred, transparent, and impactful. He noted that the NDDC, as the primary interventionist agency in the region, must work closely with state administrations to align projects with the needs of local communities. The Minister reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for ministries, departments, and agencies to harmonize efforts to avoid duplication, wastage, and delays.

Review of Ongoing NDDC Projects in Rivers State
During the meeting, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku presented a comprehensive update on ongoing NDDC projects in Rivers State, covering sectors such as road construction, shore protection, water supply, health, and education. He highlighted flagship projects including the Port Harcourt–Bonny Road, various internal road networks, and shoreline protection works in coastal communities vulnerable to erosion. Dr. Ogbuku assured Admiral Ibas that the NDDC has taken concrete steps to clear bottlenecks in project execution, including the introduction of a performance-based contractor evaluation system and closer monitoring of project sites.
Admiral Ibas Commends Renewed Synergy
In his remarks, Admiral Ibas commended both the Honourable Minister and the NDDC leadership for their proactive approach. He stressed the importance of synergy between federal agencies and state administrations, particularly in a state as strategically significant as Rivers. The former Chief of Naval Staff noted that infrastructure and socio-economic projects in the Niger Delta are essential not just for improving the quality of life but also for enhancing peace, stability, and investment confidence.

Tackling Project Delays and Abandoned Sites
One of the key issues discussed was the need to address abandoned or slow-moving projects. Engr. Momoh disclosed that the ministry had already initiated a project audit to identify underperforming contractors and reassign critical works where necessary. Dr. Ogbuku further explained that the NDDC had adopted a “Community Engagement Framework” that ensures host communities are actively involved in safeguarding project sites and supporting uninterrupted work. This, he said, would drastically reduce cases of vandalism, disputes, and contractor-community conflicts.

Emphasis on Transparency and Accountability
The Honourable Minister underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in all development initiatives. He announced that both the Ministry of Niger Delta and the NDDC would publish quarterly progress reports to keep stakeholders informed about project timelines, budget allocations, and completion rates. Dr. Ogbuku added that the Commission’s newly established Monitoring and Evaluation Department would serve as an internal watchdog, ensuring that contractors deliver value for money and adhere strictly to specifications.

Community-Centric Development Approach
In line with the administration’s renewed development agenda, the meeting placed strong emphasis on projects that have direct social and economic impact on communities. Engr. Momoh noted that beyond infrastructure, the NDDC’s interventions must also focus on human capital development, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Ogbuku reaffirmed the Commission’s ongoing commitment to scholarship programmes, skills acquisition centres, and agricultural support schemes that create sustainable livelihoods for Niger Delta residents.

The Role of Rivers State in the Niger Delta Growth Plan
Admiral Ibas highlighted that Rivers State remains a critical hub for the Niger Delta’s growth and Nigeria’s economic stability due to its vast oil and gas resources, industrial capacity, and maritime assets. He assured the Minister and the NDDC leadership of his administration’s readiness to facilitate project approvals, resolve land disputes, and provide security assistance for major construction sites. According to Ibas, a well-coordinated effort between state and federal agencies will not only speed up project delivery but also attract new investments into the region.

Joint Site Visits and Inspection Plans
To reinforce the commitments made during the meeting, it was agreed that a joint inspection team comprising officials from the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, the NDDC, and the Rivers State administration would embark on a series of site visits in the coming weeks. The inspections will cover priority projects, assess quality of work, and ensure that contractors meet agreed timelines. The team will also engage with local community leaders to gather feedback on project impact and address grievances promptly.

A Renewed Hope for Niger Delta Development
The meeting between Engr. Momoh, Dr. Ogbuku, and Admiral Ibas represents a renewed hope for accelerated infrastructure and social development in Rivers State. With clear commitments to collaboration, transparency, and community engagement, the stakeholders believe that the region will witness measurable improvements in the short to medium term.

Conclusion
The Honourable Minister of Niger Delta and Regional Development, the MD/CEO of NDDC, and the Rivers State Administrator have set the tone for a results-driven partnership aimed at transforming the face of the Niger Delta. As the NDDC accelerates the completion of existing projects while planning for new ones, the people of Rivers State—and indeed the Niger Delta—can look forward to tangible progress, improved living conditions, and enhanced economic opportunities.

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