NNPCL, JV Partners, NDDC Commission N24.5bn Ogbia-Nembe Road
By Gift Eguavoen
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and its joint venture partners – Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), TotalEnergies, Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) – in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), have commissioned the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State.
The project which connects 14 communities is valued at N24.5billion. It traverses mangrove forests with seven bridges and five culverts.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at Nembe on Monday, Minister of the Niger Delta, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who represented President Bola Ahmed 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,” the President said, urging other oil companies to collaborate with the NNPC Ltd and the NDDC to deliver transformative projects.
In his remarks, the NNPCL Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Mr. Bala Wunti, who was represented by Mr. Obinna Aralu, described the project as a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision, while expressing satisfaction with the completion of the road.
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.
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 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.
Also speaking, Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the commission was dedicated to completing projects across the Niger Delta region that serve the urgent needs in the communities.
For his part, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commended the NDDC, NNPC Ltd and its partners for the project.
A statement by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPCL, said “the completion and commissioning of the Ogbia-Nembe Road mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts by the NNPC Limited and its partners to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.”
Subscribe To Newsletter
