NNPC Ltd, JV Partners, and NDDC Commission N24.5 Billion Ogbia-Nembe Road, Paving the Way for Sustainable Development
In a landmark event commemorating the first anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) 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), officially commissioned the 25.7-kilometer Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State. The project, valued at N24.5 billion, represents a significant infrastructural advancement, connecting 14 communities and traversing challenging mangrove forests with seven bridges and five culverts.
The commissioning ceremony, held in Nembe on Monday, was attended by high-ranking government officials, traditional leaders, and stakeholders from the region. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of the Niger Delta, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, emphasized the project’s alignment with the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which aims to foster sustainable development across Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
“This road is more than just a means of transportation; it is a symbol of progress, connectivity, and opportunity for the Nembe people. It stands as a testament to what good partnerships can achieve in our communities,” the President noted in his message. He also called on other oil companies to follow the example set by NNPC Ltd, the NDDC, and their partners, urging them to collaborate on transformative projects that can bring lasting benefits to the people of the Niger Delta.
The Ogbia-Nembe Road, which cuts through a complex terrain of mangrove swamps, was recognized not just for its engineering feat but also for its potential to boost economic activities in the region. The road provides a vital link between Nembe and other parts of Bayelsa State, reducing reliance on river transport and significantly enhancing access to markets, healthcare, and education for the local communities.
Mr. Bala Wunti, the NNPC Chief Upstream Investment Officer, represented by Mr. Obinna Aralu, expressed immense satisfaction with the successful completion of the road. He described it as a “testament to the power of collaboration and a shared vision.” Wunti highlighted the road’s significance beyond its physical structure, pointing out its role in fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for the Nembe people.
“The road symbolizes a new chapter for the people of Nembe, providing them with the means to connect more seamlessly with the rest of the state and the nation. It will stimulate economic activities, enhance access to essential services, and ultimately improve the overall quality of life in these communities,” Wunti remarked. He extended his gratitude to all partners and stakeholders who contributed to the successful delivery of the project.
SPDC’s Managing Director and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, also underscored the transformative impact of the Ogbia-Nembe Road. He emphasized that the road will significantly reduce the risks associated with river transport, connect remote communities to urban centers, and serve as a catalyst for economic development in the region. Okunbor reaffirmed Shell’s commitment to partnering with government agencies and other stakeholders to deliver projects that provide tangible benefits to the people of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of NDDC, reiterated the commission’s dedication to completing projects that address the pressing needs of communities across the Niger Delta. He praised the collaborative effort that led to the successful completion of the Ogbia-Nembe Road and pledged the NDDC’s continued focus on projects that promote sustainable development and improve the living conditions of the region’s inhabitants.
The event also saw commendations from the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. The Governor lauded the NNPC Ltd, NDDC, and their joint venture partners for their commitment to improving the infrastructure in Bayelsa State, noting that the Ogbia-Nembe Road will have a lasting positive impact on the local economy and the well-being of its people.
The commissioning ceremony was graced by an array of distinguished guests, including the Senate Committee Chairman on Niger Delta, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong; Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Senu; Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie; the Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII; and the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Dumaro Charles Owaba III.
The successful completion of the Ogbia-Nembe Road marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts by NNPC Limited and its partners to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. It serves as a model for future collaborations aimed at addressing the infrastructural challenges in the region and ensuring that the benefits of Nigeria’s natural resources are felt by the communities most impacted by their extraction.
Source: NNPC Corporate Communications
