By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday, expressed his commitment to fostering a strong partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to deliver sustainable large-scale projects that will improve the socio-economic well-being of the people of Delta State.
During a meeting in Asaba with the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, and his team, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of addressing the numerous abandoned NDDC projects in the state and the region.
He affirmed his administration’s willingness to collaborate with the NDDC to finalize existing projects and initiate new ones.
Governor Oborevwori praised Ogbuku for his efforts to enhance transparency and accountability within the NDDC, urging increased engagement with stakeholders to align development strategies.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the NDDC in completing projects and highlighted instances where his administration had successfully completed projects, such as the Bomadi road bridge.
Regarding ongoing projects like Sector C 2, which involves the Ughelli to Asaba route, Governor Oborevwori noted that even though these are federal roads, his administration is actively involved in their completion.
He cited examples like the DSC and Effurun roundabouts as federal projects that his government is also working on, underscoring the commitment to addressing infrastructure needs in the region.
Governor Oborevwori further highlighted the proactive approach taken by his administration in addressing infrastructure projects, noting the engagement of Julius Berger for road projects essential to the daily lives of the state’s residents, despite these roads being federally managed.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining and improving infrastructure for the benefit of all road users in the region.
He underscored the significance of partnerships, not only with multinational corporations but also with state governments, as crucial for successful project implementation.
The Governor stressed the need for alignment between the NDDC and the governors of the Niger Delta region to facilitate coordinated planning and avoid duplication of efforts in project budgeting.
Governor Oborevwori recounted an incident where a contractor falsely claimed credit for a road project completed by the state government, leading to confusion and unnecessary expenditure.
He emphasized the necessity of clear communication and collaboration to prevent such occurrences in the future, ensuring that funds are allocated appropriately and contractors are held accountable for their work.
In an effort to promote transparency and accountability, Governor Oborevwori pledged to inform the NDDC of any state interventions in projects within their jurisdiction to prevent contractors from fraudulently collecting payments for incomplete work.
He cited examples such as the Ugono road, where the state government stepped in to complete a stalled project, demonstrating a commitment to delivering quality infrastructure for the benefit of the community.
He also emphasized the importance of responsible contract awarding, pointing out that awarding contracts without adequate financial backing can lead to contractor payment delays and project abandonment due to frustration.
He stressed the need for effective collaboration between the state government and the NDDC to ensure successful project execution.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of the NDDC as the oldest interventionist agency in the country, Governor Oborevwori highlighted the region’s significant contribution to the nation’s oil production and emphasized the necessity of tangible benefits for the region.
He cited challenges with the East-West road and urged the NDDC to consider providing interim solutions to address pressing infrastructure needs in the region.
Governor Oborevwori encouraged a focus on impactful projects that would leave a lasting legacy in the region, underscoring the importance of partnership and collaboration for the mutual success of the region and its people.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to working closely with the NDDC to drive progress and development in the region.
He called for enhanced project monitoring by the NDDC to ensure accountability and value for money in project delivery.
He expressed Delta State’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC on critical projects that require additional support, offering to either take over or engage in joint ventures to facilitate project implementation for the benefit of the state’s residents.
The Governor, reaffirmed the state’s willingness to engage in meaningful partnerships with the NDDC to advance the region’s development goals and serve the best interests of the local communities.
Governor Oborevwori elaborated on his recent decision to take charge of the Ohoror-Bomadi road, emphasizing its crucial role in facilitating access to the Akugbene road, a necessary route for further development initiatives in the region.
Dr. Ogbuku earlier articulated the purpose of his visit to Delta, highlighting the discussions on mutually beneficial topics between the NDDC and the Delta State Government.
Recognizing Delta as the leading oil-producing state in Nigeria, Dr. Ogbuku indicated that the state would receive a significant allocation from the recently approved NDDC budget.
Furthermore, Dr. Ogbuku outlined the NDDC’s commitment to fostering a transparent and accountable organization that serves the interests of the people of the Niger Delta region.
He sought collaboration with the Delta State Government and Chevron for the construction of the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Escravos Road and associated bridges, noting the potential economic benefits this project would bring to Delta State upon completion.
Dr. Ogbuku also mentioned the NDDC’s initiative to create a database of Niger Delta youths to identify opportunities aligned with their skills and interests for growth prospects.
Additionally, he announced that KPMG had been tasked with designing a Corporate Governance Structure for the NDDC, underscoring the agency’s commitment to implementing robust governance practices for enhanced effectiveness and transparency.