8th September, 2023
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
The Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh has described the deplorable state of Aleto, Elelenwo– Section and (Eleme junction) of the East-West road in Rivers as an eyesore and a disappointment.
Momoh who said this after a comprehensive inspection of the road on Tuesday said that he will report the state of the road to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said his visit was a mark of deep commitment to resolving the challenges faced by Niger Deltans, with a special emphasis on President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to ensuring the successful completion of the crucial road.
Upon arriving at the site, Minister Abubakar Momoh could not conceal his dismay at the deplorable state of the road, particularly with its importance as a connection to the petrochemical industry.
He also said he would collaborate closely with Senator David Umahi, the Minister for Works, to expedite the road’s completion.
Additionally, he expressed a willingness to explore the possibility of transferring the project to the Ministry of Niger Delta Development for swifter and more focused attention.
The Minister was accompanied by Mr Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaibu Belgore among others.
This visit highlights the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and complete the Elito, Elelenwo – East-West Section IIIA road, which serves as a critical link connecting the South-South, South-East, and Western regions of Nigeria.
Despite numerous previous attempts by successive governments, the road remains in a state of disrepair and incompleteness, posing significant challenges to transportation and economic activities in the region.
Minister Abubakar Momoh’s hands-on approach to addressing this issue has generated hope among Niger Deltans, who have long awaited the restoration of this vital infrastructure.
As efforts continue to gain momentum, stakeholders are optimistic that this project will finally see the successful completion it deserves, bringing relief and improved connectivity to the region.
Also, the Minister commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC for expanding the scope of the Okrika-Borokiri Road with three bridges connecting several communities to Port Harcourt.
Speaking during a meeting with the Management and Staff of the NDDC at the headquarters of the Commission in Port Harcourt, Momoh noted that the NDDC should continue to deliver on viable projects.
He applauded the Rivers State Government for showing interest in partnership with the Commission on the project.
The Minister said: “I am delighted to be at NDDC today. This is my first official visit outside Abuja and I am starting from the Rivers State capital. So far, we have inspected some projects being handled by NDDC, as well as the East-West Road, which I consider a big disappointment. What I saw was an eyesore. I will take the matter to Mr. President who is a listening leader. I am confident that he will listen to us and transfer the East-West Road to the Ministry.”
Engr. Momoh noted that the change in the nomenclature of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development from its former name of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is a sign of a new focus in the drive for sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
He called for continuous support for the Federal Government to achieve its goals of developing the Niger Delta region.
He congratulated Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for returning to the Board of the NDDC and remarked that in the past people had always felt that NDDC was not doing enough. He stated: “Performance comes with good leadership and that should be supported by loyal staff. We expect that NDDC will key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
The Minister also visited the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, at the Government House, where he was received in audience in the company of Ogbuku.
Fubara assured the Minister that his government was open to partnership. He said: “If the NDDC is committed, we are ready to partner with them on the Borikiri-Okrika road project because it will complete the Port Harcourt Ring Road which we flagged off recently.”
In his welcome remarks, the NDDC boss expressed delight over the visit of the Minister to the Commission’s headquarters, as part of a two-day working tour of the Niger Delta region.
He pledged that the NDDC will continue to support the vision of the Ministry and the Federal Government in the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku said: “We are happy to receive the Minister. NDDC will always cooperate with the Ministry, and we hope that the Ministry will also support us. I assure you that there will be no friction between the Ministry and the NDDC. The joint inspection today testifies to this new cordial working relationship.”
Earlier at the Okrika-Borokiri Bridge project in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, Ogbuku observed that it would provide a lot of benefits to the people, as it would connect several communities to the Rivers State capital.
He said that when completed, the road would reduce traffic congestion on the refinery axis of the East-West Road as well as reduce travel time from Okrika to Port Harcourt.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Development, Dr Shuaib Belgore, also applauded the NDDC for executing the Borokiri-Okirika Road and Bridge project.