As part of the commemoration of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s first anniversary, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd) and its joint venture partners, including Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), TotalEnergies, and Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), have inaugurated the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State.
Valued at N24.5bn, the project, traversing mangrove forests with seven bridges and five culverts, serves as a vital link connecting 14 communities in the region, as outlined in a statement by NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye.
During the commissioning ceremony held at Nembe on Monday, the Minister of the Niger Delta, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, representing President Tinubu, hailed the project as a testament to the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for sustainable development in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
The President emphasized the significance of fruitful partnerships in community development, urging other oil companies to emulate the collaborative efforts of NNPC Ltd and NDDC in delivering transformative projects.
In his address, NNPC’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Bala Wunti, lauded the completion of the road, underscoring its broader implications beyond infrastructure, such as fostering progress, connectivity, and economic opportunities for the Nembe community.
Wunti expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their contributions to the successful execution of the project, echoing sentiments of shared vision and collaboration.
Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, highlighted the road’s transformative impact in enhancing connectivity, boosting economic activities, and mitigating risks associated with river transport.
Okunbor reiterated Shell’s commitment to partnering with government agencies to execute projects beneficial to the people of the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
Similarly, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of NDDC, affirmed the commission’s dedication to completing projects across the region that address urgent community needs.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, commended the NDDC, NNPC Ltd, and its partners for their efforts in delivering the project, with his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, representing him at the event.
The commissioning ceremony witnessed the presence of top government officials and traditional rulers from Bayelsa State, underscoring the significance of the milestone achieved in advancing infrastructure and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
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