President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive for the prompt completion of long-abandoned projects in the Niger Delta, reaffirming the region’s crucial role in Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.
The president gave the directive on Saturday during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) held in Port Harcourt. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu described the Niger Delta as a vital contributor to the nation’s wealth, referring to it as “the goose that lays the golden egg.”
Tinubu stressed that the federal government remains committed to delivering critical infrastructure in the region. He highlighted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway — a 750-kilometre project — as a key development that would complement the East-West Road and improve regional trade and connectivity.
“This flagship initiative is expected to unlock new economic opportunities in the oil-rich region and promote growth in sectors like tourism and the blue economy,” Akume said on behalf of the president.
In his remarks, Tinubu directed the NDDC management to accelerate work on specific priority projects. These include the Kaa-Ataba Bridge, the Okrika-Borokiri Bridge, Bonny Ring Road, Gbaregolo Roads and Bridges, and the Sampou sections of the East-West Road.
He acknowledged the current leadership of the NDDC for steps taken to enhance service delivery and urged the board to sustain the momentum.
“While infrastructure remains essential, the commission must also deepen its investments in human capital. Projects that directly touch the lives of people in underserved communities should be given utmost priority,” the president said.
He also commended the “Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative, noting its impact on security, economic activity, and night-time social life in the region.
Congratulating the NDDC on its silver jubilee, Tinubu called on Niger Delta residents to continue supporting his administration’s reforms and development efforts.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who also spoke at the event, urged the NDDC to adopt a long-term, people-focused development strategy. He warned against the frequent changes in leadership, which he said had hampered the commission’s effectiveness over the years.
“In just 25 years, the commission has seen more than 11 CEOs. I commend the President for ensuring continuity by retaining the current chief executive,” Jonathan noted. “Going forward, let NDDC focus on impactful, well-funded legacy projects — not short-term political gestures.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, also in attendance, echoed the call for reforms.
He pointed to internal mismanagement and frequent leadership changes as reasons for the commission’s slow progress over the years.
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