Yenagoa, May 28, 2024 – Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and its joint partners in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have inaugurated the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa state.
Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Communication Officer at NNPCL, disclosed this in a statement.
The project, valued at N24.5 billion, traverses mangrove forests with seven bridges and five culverts and connects 14 communities.
It was inaugurated on Monday to mark the first anniversary of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
Abubakar Momoh, the Minister of the Niger Delta, who represented President Bola Tinubu, said the project was in alignment with the president’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for sustainable development in the Niger Delta region in particular and Nigeria in general.
“This project is evidence of what good partnerships can bring to communities, he said, and urged other oil companies to collaborate with the NNPC Ltd and the NDDC to deliver transformative projects.
Bala Wunti, the NNPC Chief Upstream Investment Officer, who was represented by Obinna Aralu, expressed satisfaction with the completion of the road, describing it as “a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision.”
He said the road was more than just infrastructure as it symbolizes progress, connectivity, and opportunities for the Nembe people through seamless transportation, increase in economic activities and general improvement in the quality of life.
Wunti also thanked all the partners and stakeholders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project.
Osagie Okunbor, the Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, highlighted the transformative impact of the project, stressing that it “will connect communities to the city center, 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, said the commission was dedicated to completing projects across the Niger Delta region that serve the urgent needs in the communities.
Sen. Douye Diri, the Bayelsa State Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commended the NDDC, NNPC Ltd, and its partners for the project. (GBN)
