The Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Thursday commenced an assessment and inspection tour of the ongoing 32km road reconstruction works in Akpabuyo, Akamkpa, and Biase local government areas of Cross River State.
The commission’s ongoing projects include the reconstruction of 20km of the Okomita to Uyanga to Ehom Road in Akamkpa and Biase, 1.5km of the Idundu Junction to Idundu Bridge in Akpabuyo and 10.8km of the Aking to Osomba in Akamkpa.
The construction work is being carried out by Messers Faith Plant Nig Ltd.
The team was led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, members of the committee and other top management of the commission, including Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and Executive Director Projects, Obong Victor Antai.
The delegation was received by the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government, Hon. Felix Akposi, alongside Hon. Okon Owuna and Hon. Linus Bassey, who represent Akamkpa Constituencies 1 and 2 in the Cross River State House of Assembly, as well as councillors from various host communities.
Speaking during the assessment and inspection, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong said: “What we are witnessing here is a practical demonstration of the NDDC’s renewed commitment to infrastructural development in the Niger Delta.
He said the roads, which are vital commodities and evacuation corridors for the people, will open up communities, boost trade, and improve access to markets, schools, and healthcare.
“The 10th Senate, led by His Excellency Godswill Akpabio, remains committed to providing the needed legislative support to ensure that these projects are completed to the highest standards.
“This intervention has the full and express support of the 10th Senate Leadership. We commend Governor Bassey Otu for his efforts in infrastructure development across the state. The NDDC must continue its interventionist programs/projects across the states of the Niger Delta,” he said.
Senator Ekpenyong further commended the Managing Director of NDDC, who, despite having celebrated his 50th birthday the evening before in Abuja, immediately resumed work in the field barely 12 hours later in the hinterlands of Akamkpa, Cross River State.”
On his part, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, assured residents of the commission’s dedication to quality delivery, saying “the NDDC is determined to deliver durable infrastructure that truly benefits the people.
“These roads will ease transportation burdens and drive socio-economic growth in Cross River State and beyond. We will continue to work with the Senate Committee and all stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability, and timely completion of projects.”
