Yesterday, 13th April 2026, a joint delegation of the National Assembly Committees on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from both the Senate and the House of Representatives undertook an oversight visit to key NDDC projects in Cross River state, including the reconstruction of Odukpani Junction–Okom Ita–Uyanga–Ehom road.
The inspection team, led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and his House counterpart, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, alongside the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Executive Director Projects, Victor Antai assessed the quality and impact of the emergency reconstruction project and also debriefed the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu describing it as a critical intervention for rural connectivity and economic development in the region.
Receiving the delegation at Government House, the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the National Assembly for its commitment to effective oversight of NDDC projects.
“I welcome this joint oversight visit as a demonstration of your commitment to ensuring that development interventions in the Niger Delta are not only executed but are impactful to the people. Cross River State remains open to strong collaboration with the National Assembly and the NDDC to accelerate infrastructure delivery and improve the livelihoods of our citizens.” The Governor noted that strategic partnerships between the state government, the NDDC, and federal lawmakers are essential to unlocking the full development potential of the state, particularly in rural communities.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong while speaking emphasized that the oversight visit was part of the National Assembly’s constitutional mandate to ensure that NDDC projects deliver tangible benefits to the people.
“This inspection underscores the resolve of President Bola Tinubu and the Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio to ensure that every NDDC intervention translates into real value for our communities.
The reconstruction of critical roads such as the Akamkpa–Uyanga–Ehom corridor is vital to the Nation’s economic growth, agricultural expansion, and connectivity of communities. Akamkpa Local Government is the sole supplier of all construction aggregates used for road construction across the south south region, it also hosts a 5 million metric tons per annum cement plant that supplies cement across the region, as well as several oil palm and rubber plantations. The Akamkpa federal road also serves as an evacuation corridor for all petroleum products going to North Central and North East Nigeria from the Tank Farms at the Calabar port, consequently the road is under constant pressure and had suffered severe deterioration. This NDDC intervention covers approximately 40km of road reconstruction in Akamkpa Local Government. The National Assembly will continue to support all efforts geared towards sustainable development and shared prosperity.”
He further noted that the Senate Committee would continue to strengthen oversight to guarantee transparency, efficiency, and timely delivery of projects across the Niger Delta region.
On her part, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu commended the progress recorded on the road project, while stressing the importance of accountability and collaboration.
“Our duty is to ensure that the resources committed to the Niger Delta truly serves the people. What we have seen here is encouraging, and we will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that all projects meet the required standards and are completed for public use.”
The Senate committee chairman commended Governor Otu’s administration for its strides in infrastructure, economic revitalization, and social development, noting that: The governor’s leadership has demonstrated “clarity of purpose in pursuing economic development,” alongside visible investments in roads, agriculture, tourism, and urban renewal.
