The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Nigeria has assured that the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge linking Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas in Rivers State will be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the project by members of the NDDC Governing Board, led by its Chairman, Mr Chiedu Ebie.
The inspection team included the Executive Director of Projects, Dr Victor Antai; the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde; and other directors of the Commission.
Ogbuku reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the presidential mandate to complete all legacy projects across the Niger Delta region.
He stated that the Commission would continue to provide the necessary support to enable the contractor to deliver the project on schedule.
He described the Kaa-Ataba Bridge as one of the most ambitious legacy projects undertaken by the NDDC, noting that it stands as the longest bridge in the Niger Delta and one of the longest in Nigeria.
Expressing satisfaction with the pace of work, the NDDC boss explained that the project forms part of the key infrastructure initiatives the Nigerian Government wants completed under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the Commission is determined to ensure that the development agenda of the Nigerian Government translates into tangible benefits for communities in the Niger Delta.
“The President gave us a marching order to make a positive impact in the Niger Delta. The Board and Management are working diligently to meet Mr President’s expectations,” Ogbuku said.
Also speaking during the inspection, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, said the project reflects the Nigerian Government’s commitment to accelerating development in the oil-producing region.
He reaffirmed that the bridge would be ready for inauguration this year, and that the contractor had assured the Commission of completing the project within the agreed timeline.
“We have been briefed by the on-site engineers, and they are as determined as we are to deliver the project on schedule,” Ebie stated.
A representative of the contracting firm, Christian Emeozor, explained that adverse weather conditions had contributed to delays in the construction process.
He, however, assured the NDDC that additional manpower and equipment would be deployed to speed up the work.
“We are committed to delivering on speed and quality,” Emeozor said, promising that the company would take all necessary steps to ensure timely completion of the bridge.
Community leaders in the area also expressed optimism about the project. The Paramount Ruler of Ataba Kingdom in Andoni Local Government Area, King Benson Egwenre, commended the NDDC for executing the bridge, noting that it would significantly boost economic and social activities in the surrounding communities.
Hospital Project
During the tour, the NDDC delegation also inspected ongoing work at the Niger Delta Regional Hospital in Port Harcourt, which will feature cardiovascular and orthopaedic units.
Ebie stressed that the hospital project underscores the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the region.
According to him, the facility is expected to help reduce the growing trend of medical tourism by providing advanced medical services within the country.
Ogbuku also noted that the hospital project demonstrates that the Commission’s interventions go beyond roads and bridges.
“Our intervention is not only on road construction or solar lights; we all know that health is wealth, and the people of the Niger Delta must be healthy,” he said.
He explained that the hospital was conceived as a state-of-the-art medical facility capable of serving residents across the region and beyond.
According to him, plans are in place to run the facility through strategic partnerships with experts in hospital management once it is completed and fully equipped with modern medical technology.