To commemorate the one-year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, NNPC Ltd. and its joint venture partners—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.
The project, valued at N24.5 billion, traverses mangrove forests and includes seven bridges and five culverts, connecting 14 communities in the region. Olufemi Soneye , the Chief Corporate Communications Officer made this known on X
The commissioning ceremony took place in Nembe on Monday, with the Minister of the Niger Delta, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, representing President Tinubu. In his address, Momoh highlighted the project’s alignment with the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” emphasizing sustainable development for the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole.
“This project is evidence of what good partnerships can bring to communities,” stated President Tinubu, urging other oil companies to collaborate with NNPC Ltd. and the NDDC to deliver transformative projects.
Mr. Bala Wunti, NNPC’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer, represented by Mr. Obinna Aralu, expressed satisfaction with the road’s completion.
He described the project as “a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision,” noting that the road symbolises progress, connectivity, and opportunities for the Nembe people by facilitating seamless transportation, boosting economic activities, and improving the quality of life.
SPDC Managing Director and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, underscored the road’s transformative impact. He stated 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 beneficial projects for the Niger Delta region and Nigeria.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of NDDC, affirmed the commission’s dedication to completing projects that meet the urgent needs of Niger Delta communities.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, praised NDDC, NNPC Ltd., and their partners for the project’s successful completion.
The ceremony was attended by prominent government officials and traditional rulers from Bayelsa State, including Senate Committee Chairman on Niger Delta, Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong; House of Representatives Committee Chairman on the Niger Delta, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Senu; NDDC Governing Board Chairman, 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 inauguration of the Ogbia-Nembe Road represents 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.