President Tinubu has ordered swift completion of abandoned Niger Delta projects, citing urgent economic importance.
Speaking at NDDC’s 25th anniversary, he urged focus on infrastructure, human capital, and lasting impact.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed that long-abandoned infrastructure projects in the Niger Delta be completed without further delay, highlighting the region’s indispensable role in Nigeria’s economic development.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Tinubu referred to the region as “the goose that lays the golden egg.” He said the federal government remains fully committed to strengthening infrastructure and human development in the oil-producing region.
One of the standout projects mentioned was the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which Tinubu said would complement the existing East-West Road and open up new economic opportunities in trade, tourism, and the blue economy.
“This flagship initiative is designed to unlock the potential of the Niger Delta and improve livelihoods across multiple sectors,” Akume stated.
The president also gave specific instructions for the NDDC to prioritise key projects such as the Kaa-Ataba Bridge, Okrika-Borokiri Bridge, Bonny Ring Road, Gbaregolo Roads and Bridges, and the Sampou sections of the East-West Road. He commended the current NDDC leadership for taking concrete steps to improve service delivery and urged them to maintain the pace.
“Infrastructure is critical, but the commission must also increase investment in human capital. Priority should go to projects that directly benefit people in underserved communities,” Tinubu added.
He praised the “Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative for boosting security, economic activity, and nightlife in the region, encouraging the NDDC to sustain and expand such impactful programs.
As the NDDC marked its silver jubilee, Tinubu appealed to residents of the Niger Delta to support his administration’s ongoing reforms and development agenda.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, also present at the event, called for a shift toward long-term, people-oriented planning. He cautioned that the commission’s effectiveness had been undermined by frequent leadership changes.
“In just 25 years, the NDDC has had over 11 chief executives. I appreciate the current administration for ensuring some stability by retaining the present leadership,” Jonathan said. “Going forward, the focus should be on legacy projects that have lasting impact, not politically-driven quick fixes.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed similar sentiments, urging reforms to address internal inefficiencies and instability that have historically slowed the commission’s progress.
