Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has declared its intention to extend its high-impact infrastructure partnership model, anchored on collaborations with International Oil Companies, IOCs, to Cross River State, as part of renewed efforts to deepen development across its mandate states.
Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, made this known during a courtesy visit to Governor Senator Bassey Otu at the Government House in Calabar, where he emphasized that the NDDC’s successful alliances with IOCs and state governments are transforming the Niger Delta’s infrastructure landscape.
“Our strategic partnerships with IOCs such as NLNG have yielded tangible results across the region. Cross River is next in line to fully benefit from this model,” Ogbuku stated.
He cited major projects executed under the model, including the Bonny Ring Road, Kaa-Ataba Bridge, Borokiri-Okrika Road, and the flagship 28km Nembe-Ogbia Road, describing them as testaments to the Commission’s new direction.
“In Cross River, the Ikom Specialist Hospital, a product of our collaboration with NLNG, is nearing completion. These partnerships are how we are shifting NDDC from transaction to transformation,” he added.
Ogbuku stressed that Cross River, as a full mandate state, is entitled to comprehensive NDDC interventions and noted that the Commission is ready to work closely with the state government to unlock stalled projects and attract new ones.
He also formally invited the Cross River State Government to the 25th Anniversary of the NDDC, set for July 6–12, with a grand finale on July 12, featuring a keynote by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and attendance by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“This milestone will not just celebrate our history, but will also unveil our future. Cross River has a seat at that table,” he said.
Responding, Governor Bassey Otu, while welcoming the NDDC boss, expressed enthusiasm about the Commission’s commitment to strengthen collaboration and unlock IOC-backed funding and technical support for key projects.
“We are resource-limited but eager to grow. NDDC remains a critical partner for our development aspirations. We’re especially hopeful that ongoing projects like the Adiabo-Iko-Neto Road and the Ikom Specialist Hospital will be fast-tracked.”
The governor said previous frictions with the Commission were merely due to communication gaps and praised the current leadership for its transparency and proactive engagement.
