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NNPC Ltd., JV Partners, NDDC inaugurate N24.5bn Ogbia-Nembe Road

Samuel AkpanMay 28, 2024594

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and its joint venture partners – Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), TotalEnergies, and Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) — have inaugurated the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State.

The N24.5 billion road connects 14 communities, winds through mangrove forests, and features seven bridges and five culverts commemorates the one-year anniversary of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

The Niger Delta Minister, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, spoke at the Nembe ceremony on Monday on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the project aligns with the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for sustainable development in the Niger Delta region and throughout Nigeria.

“This project is evidence of what good partnerships can bring to communities,” the president said, urging other oil companies to collaborate with NNPC Ltd. and the NDDC to deliver transformative projects.

The Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Bala Wunti, expressed satisfaction with the road’s completion, describing it as “a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision,” according to a statement by Mr. Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.

He said the road was more than just infrastructure, as it symbolizes progress, connectivity, and opportunities for the Nembe people through seamless transportation, an increase in economic activities, and a general improvement in the quality of life.

Wunti also thanked all of the partners and stakeholders for their contributions to the project’s successful delivery.

On his part, the Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, highlighted the transformative impact of the project, stressing that it “will connect communities to the city centre, boost economic activities, and reduce risks associated with river transport.

Okunbor reiterated Shell’s commitment to partnering with government agencies to deliver projects that are beneficial to the people of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria.

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, also spoke, emphasizing the commission’s dedication to completing projects throughout the Niger Delta region that meet the urgent needs of the communities.

Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, who represented the governor, praised the NDDC, NNPC Ltd., and its partners for the project.

Top government officials and traditional rulers from Bayelsa State, including Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong, the chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta, and Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Senu, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta, attended the historic event.

The 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 completion and commissioning of the Ogbia-Nembe Road mark 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.