Tinubu Vows To Finish Crucial East-West Road Connecting Three States President Bola Tinubu has announced

Tinubu Vows To Finish Crucial East-West Road Connecting Three States

President Bola Tinubu has announced that plans are underway to complete the rehabilitation of the East-West Road, which connects Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states. This statement was made on Friday during the conclusion of a three-day Stakeholders Summit organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt…….. CONTINUE READING 

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu emphasized his administration’s commitment to supporting the NDDC in delivering the “Renewed Hope Agenda” for the Niger Delta region. He highlighted the agenda’s focus on food security, poverty alleviation, inclusivity, job creation, anti-corruption, and the rule of law.

Tinubu acknowledged the criticisms directed at the NDDC but assured stakeholders of a renewed commitment to transforming the narrative for the benefit of the Niger Delta people. He stressed the necessity for the commission to adopt a new approach to facilitate regional development.

The president confirmed that the NDDC board has been authorized to secure a N1 trillion loan to complete all abandoned projects in the area. He also reiterated the commencement of the Lagos to Calabar coastal highway project, which will begin simultaneously from both states.

Senate President Akpabio expressed confidence in the current NDDC management and their plans to complete the East-West Road within their tenure, stating that funding would no longer be an issue, but rather a matter of proper allocation of NDDC resources.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the summit, urged the NDDC to refocus on its original mandate of providing infrastructure and improving the environment in the Niger Delta. He noted that the commission’s effectiveness had waned in previous years due to political interference.

Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri called for urgent federal action to alleviate the difficulties faced by commuters on the East-West Road, which has become a significant bottleneck.

Minister of Niger Delta, Abubakar Momoh, highlighted the need for diversification in the region’s economy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and confirmed that the NDDC has engaged a construction firm to carry out remedial works on the East-West Road.

Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, assured that the committee would work closely with the commission to meet the needs of the people, emphasizing that this is the first time the NDDC would operate with a budget approved by the National Assembly.

Former Cross River Governor Donald Duke advocated for closer collaboration between the NDDC and state governors to address ongoing issues in the region and prevent project duplication.

NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku promised that the recommendations from the summit would be implemented to improve the region’s prospects.

The summit was attended by several notable figures, including governors, state representatives, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, who underscored the importance of sustainable peace and security in the Niger Delta.