Warri, Delta State – October 17, 2025 – In a resounding call for unity and collective action, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to forge stronger partnerships with state governments across the region to tackle the chronic decay of federal roads. This impassioned plea came during the grand inauguration of the NDDC's spanking new State Office in Warri, a state-of-the-art facility that stands as a beacon of hope for the oil-rich Niger Delta. The event, attended by top federal and state dignitaries, underscored a pivotal moment in the region's quest for sustainable development, emphasizing collaboration over competition in addressing long-standing infrastructural deficits.
Governor Oborevwori, addressing a packed audience that included federal ministers, lawmakers, and community leaders, described the newly unveiled edifice not merely as a building, but as a profound symbol of "shared commitment to development, inclusion, and service delivery." He painted a vivid picture of the Niger Delta's challenges: pothole-riddled highways that turn daily commutes into ordeals, isolated communities cut off from markets and hospitals, and economic potentials stifled by poor connectivity. "True progress in our region demands more than rhetoric; it requires deliberate collaboration and a renewed dedication to uplifting infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment," the Governor declared, his voice resonating with the urgency of a leader who has witnessed firsthand the human cost of neglect.
At the heart of his address was a laser-focused appeal to prioritize the rehabilitation of failed federal roads, which have inflicted "untold hardship" on millions of commuters. Oborevwori highlighted Delta State's proactive stance, revealing that his administration had already approved a whopping ₦35.7 billion for the comprehensive reconstruction of the Warri/Sapele/Benin Road. This critical artery, stretching from the Effurun Roundabout through the Spare Parts Market to beyond Ohore Junction, serves as a vital lifeline connecting Delta State to neighboring Bayelsa, Rivers, and Cross River States. "This road is not just asphalt and concrete; it's the economic backbone that ferries goods, fuels trade, and binds our peoples together," he explained, noting how its dilapidated state has led to countless accidents, delayed deliveries, and soaring transportation costs.
But the Governor didn't stop at words—he extended a concrete olive branch. Expressing unwavering readiness to partner with the NDDC, Oborevwori spotlighted the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road as a prime candidate for joint intervention. This strategically important route, snaking through oil-producing communities to the Escravos Export Terminal, has long been a symbol of federal-state disconnect. To kickstart momentum, he announced an upcoming joint meeting early next month involving the Delta State Government, Chevron Nigeria Limited, and the NDDC. "Together, we will map out clear timelines, funding streams, and execution plans to turn these vision into reality," he assured, eliciting applause from the crowd.
In a heartfelt commendation, Oborevwori showered praise on NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, hailing his "exceptional leadership and unyielding commitment to development." He viewed the new Warri office as more than infrastructure; it represented "institutional stability and a renewed purpose" for the Commission, signaling an era where projects are completed, not abandoned. The Governor also took a moment to laud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, crediting it with bolstering state finances, promoting inclusivity, and rebuilding public trust in governance. "Under this agenda, Delta State has become a model of fiscal prudence," he boasted. "No state in Nigeria pays contractors faster than we do. We are not borrowing a kobo, and we owe no contractor a dime." This bold claim, backed by transparent budgeting, underscored his administration's pledge to accountability, with every naira accounted for and every project delivered on time.
Echoing the Governor's collaborative spirit, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, delivered remarks that painted an optimistic portrait of progress under President Tinubu's directive. "The President has charged the NDDC with completing all abandoned projects across the region—and we are delivering," Momoh affirmed. He rattled off a litany of triumphs: the restoration of electricity to Okitipupa after 15 agonizing years of darkness, the erection of game-changing bridges and substations that now power industries, and the rollout of transformative health and education initiatives spanning multiple states. In Bayelsa, for instance, new clinics have reduced maternal mortality; in Rivers, solar-powered schools are enlightening thousands of children. Yet, the Minister issued a stern reminder to NDDC staff: "Maintain these facilities meticulously, and above all, remain non-partisan. The Commission serves every Niger Deltan equally, from the creeks of Delta to the highlands of Cross River."
The event's tone of synergy was further amplified by NDDC Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and Managing Director Dr. Ogbuku. Ebie, reflecting on the 7th Governing Board appointed by President Tinubu, highlighted a revolutionary transparency framework co-developed with global auditors KPMG. "This isn't just paperwork; it's a bulwark against corruption, ensuring every project benefits the people," he stated. Ogbuku, with infectious enthusiasm, framed the Warri office as a cornerstone of the NDDC's bold shift "from transactions to transformation." He revealed similar state-of-the-art offices sprouting across the region, from Port Harcourt to Yenagoa, as part of a broader renaissance.
In a major disclosure, Ogbuku unveiled ongoing mega-collaborations with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), valued at an eye-watering ₦650 billion. This partnership targets a slew of infrastructure marvels: elevated bridges over treacherous swamps, wide-laned roads linking remote communities to global markets, and resilient drainage systems to combat seasonal flooding. "We are committed to accountability, seamless partnerships, and timely completion of legacy projects that will forever transform the lives of Niger Deltans," he vowed, promising that no community would be left behind.
The ceremony brimmed with high-profile attendees, including Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, and Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC. Their presence lent federal weight to the proceedings, with Ekpenyong pledging legislative support for faster project approvals and Ibori-Suenu vowing oversight to ensure value for money. Traditional rulers, youth leaders, and women groups also thronged the venue, their chants and dances infusing the air with cultural vibrancy.
As the sun set over Warri, the inauguration transcended a mere ribbon-cutting; it marked a watershed in Niger Delta development. Governor Oborevwori's vision of NDDC-state synergy promises not just fixed roads, but a connected, prosperous region where oil wealth trickles down to every household. With federal backing, transparent governance, and billionaire partnerships, the Niger Delta is poised for its most luminous chapter yet. The message from Warri is clear: Collaboration is the road to renewal.
