Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for improved quality in project execution and stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure sustainable development across the Niger Delta region.
The governor made the appeal on Monday while receiving members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Government House, Asaba. The delegation was led by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.
Oborevwori, while welcoming the lawmakers, commended the committees for their oversight responsibilities, noting that such engagements are critical to ensuring accountability and effectiveness in the delivery of development projects across the region.
He emphasized that interventionist agencies like the NDDC must prioritise transparency, accountability, and the execution of impact-driven projects that directly address the needs of the people. According to him, the success of development initiatives depends largely on the quality and durability of projects delivered.
The governor warned against the growing trend of substandard project execution, stressing that poorly delivered infrastructure not only wastes public resources but also undermines public confidence in government interventions.
He urged contractors handling NDDC projects to adhere strictly to quality standards, insisting that all projects must be durable and capable of serving communities effectively over time.
“Development must be meaningful and enduring,” the governor stated, adding that project planning should be guided by proper needs assessment rather than assumptions.
Oborevwori further called on the NDDC to introduce effective feedback mechanisms that would enable communities to report poorly executed or abandoned projects. He cited instances where contractors allegedly delivered substandard work, including a school roofing project that required state government intervention after failing to meet expected standards.
According to him, incorporating community feedback into project monitoring would help improve accountability and ensure that contractors are held responsible for their work.
The governor also highlighted the importance of engaging competent international contractors for large-scale infrastructure projects such as flyovers, while recommending that indigenous contractors be prioritised for smaller and community-based projects.
He noted that such a balanced approach would ensure both quality delivery and local participation in development efforts.
Earlier in his remarks, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong explained that the joint committee was in Delta State to commence an oversight exercise on NDDC projects. He said it was necessary for the delegation to pay a courtesy visit to the governor as part of its activities.
Ekpenyong commended the Oborevwori administration for what he described as significant progress in infrastructure development, urban renewal, human capital development, and youth-focused programmes. He noted that the state government has remained committed to improving the living conditions of its citizens.
The senator added that the purpose of the oversight visit goes beyond project inspection, stressing that the committee is focused on ensuring that NDDC interventions deliver tangible benefits to host communities across the Niger Delta.
He assured the governor of the committee’s willingness to collaborate with the Delta State Government and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen oversight functions and accelerate the completion of development projects in the region.
Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu and other members of the delegation also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing accountability within the commission and ensuring that resources allocated for development are effectively utilised.
The meeting highlighted the shared commitment between the Delta State Government and the National Assembly committees to improve governance standards and enhance the performance of interventionist agencies operating in the Niger Delta.
Observers note that calls for improved oversight and quality assurance in project execution have become increasingly important, particularly in regions like the Niger Delta where development agencies play a critical role in addressing infrastructure deficits and socio-economic challenges.
The visit by the National Assembly committees is expected to provide further insights into the state of NDDC projects in Delta State and contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable development across the region.
