Senate Committee Inspects Ongoing NDDC Road Projects in Cross River State

The Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has embarked on a major oversight mission, assessing multiple ongoing road reconstruction projects across Akamkpa, Biase, and Akpabuyo Local Government Areas of Cross River State.

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The visit underscores renewed federal efforts to accelerate infrastructural development in the Niger Delta, improve rural connectivity, and ease the socio-economic burdens of residents.

Roads Under Inspection

During the oversight tour, the Committee, led by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (representing Cross River South), alongside the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and Executive Director of Projects, Obong Victor Antai, inspected three critical projects being executed by Messers Faith Plant Nig. Ltd:

• 20KM Okomita–Uyanga–Ehom Road spanning Akamkpa and Biase LGAs.
• 1.5KM Idundu Junction–Idundu Bridge Road in Akpabuyo LGA.
• 10.8KM Aking–Osomba Road in Akamkpa LGA.

These projects are expected to open up rural corridors, facilitate easier evacuation of goods, and link farmers to urban markets.

Stakeholder Engagement

The delegation was received by local leaders, including the Chairman of Akamkpa LGA, Hon. Felix Akposi, and Cross River State House of Assembly members representing Akamkpa Constituencies 1 and 2, Hon. Okon Owuna and Hon. Linus Bassey. Councillors from host communities were also present, reflecting broad grassroots interest in the projects.

What the Senate Committee Said

Senator Ekpenyong highlighted the significance of the projects:

“What we are witnessing here today is the NDDC’s renewed commitment to infrastructure in the Niger Delta. These roads are vital evacuation corridors that will boost trade, education, and healthcare access. The 10th Senate, under Senator Godswill Akpabio, remains committed to legislative support for their completion to the highest standards.”

He also praised Governor Bassey Otu’s ongoing infrastructural efforts in Cross River State and emphasized the importance of the NDDC sustaining its interventionist role across Niger Delta states.

The NDDC’s Assurance

Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to quality and accountability:

“The NDDC is determined to deliver durable infrastructure that will truly benefit our people. These roads will ease transportation burdens and drive socio-economic growth across Cross River and beyond.”

Despite having celebrated his 50th birthday in Abuja the previous evening, Ogbuku’s prompt resumption in the field less than 12 hours later underscored his personal commitment to ongoing works.

Impact on Cross River State

The inspected projects promise far-reaching benefits for communities in Akamkpa, Biase, and Akpabuyo LGAs. By reducing travel time, improving security, and facilitating the movement of goods and people, the roads are expected to transform local economies while enhancing social integration in the region.