The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its joint venture partners – Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), TotalEnergies, and Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) – in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have commissioned the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State.

The project, valued at N24.5 billion, traverses mangrove forests with seven bridges and five culverts and connects 14 communities.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at Nembe on Monday, May 27, 2024, the Minister of the Niger Delta, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who represented President Bola Tinubu, said the project was in alignment with the president’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for sustainable development in the Niger Delta region in particular and Nigeria in general.

“This project is evidence of what good partnerships can bring to communities,” he said.

Momoh further urged other oil companies to collaborate with the NNPCL and the NDDC to deliver transformative projects.

NDDC to unveil N84bn projects in Niger Delta

In his remarks, NNPCL Chief Upstream Investment Officer Bala Wunti, who was represented by Obinna Aralu, expressed satisfaction with the completion of the road, describing it as “a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision”.

He said the road was more than just infrastructure as it symbolises progress, connectivity, and opportunities for the Nembe people through seamless transportation, increase in economic activities, and general improvement in the quality of life.

Wunti also thanked all the partners and stakeholders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project.

Also speaking, NDDC Managing Director Dr Samuel Ogbuku said the commission was dedicated to completing projects across the Niger Delta region that serve the urgent needs in the communities.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commended the NDDC, NNPCL, and its partners for the project.

The Star