The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has partnered with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) to fast-track the completion of the 27.1-kilometre Bonny Ring Road and Bridges in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The project is one of the Commission’s priority initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and promoting economic development in the region.
During an inspection visit, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to delivering the project, stressing that it was a mandate from President Bola Tinubu.
Ogbuku, who was accompanied by the Executive Director Projects, Victor Antai, and other Directors of the Commission, emphasized that the project was part of the Commission’s broader efforts to improve the lives of the people in the Niger Delta region.
Also, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer also paid a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, in his palace.
During the visit, Ogbuku informed the monarch that the Commission was seeking his blessings for its 25th anniversary celebration, which would commence with a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Ondo State.
As part of the anniversary ceremonies, the Commission plans to mount the name of the late Harold Dappa-Biriye at the new NDDC headquarters at the Marine Base, Port Harcourt.
Ogbuku highlighted the critical role played by the late Bonny nationalist in the Niger Delta struggle, and assured that the Commission would continue to positively impact the lives of the people of the region.
The NDDC CEO emphasized that most of the projects embarked upon by the Commission were based on needs assessment, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to delivering projects that meet the needs of the people.
According to Ogbuku, “The project is one of the legacy projects which was captured in the 2024 budget of the commission as part of the fund approved by President Bola Tinubu, to facilitate completion of legacy projects across the region. The president’s approval also includes the Kaa-Ataba Bridge, the Bonny Ring Road and the Okrika-Borokiri Bridge in Rivers State, among others.”
Ogbuku, who defied a heavy downpour, inspected the project in the company of some Bonny Chiefs and remarked that the ring road project would link Bonny Town with surrounding communities to complement the Bonny-Bodo Road being constructed by the Federal Government.
The Managing Director of the construction firm handling the project, Engr. Dennis Ododah, assured that the Bonny Ring Road project would be completed by the first quarter of 2027. He explained that the 27.14 km road project included 13 bridges and 26 km of concrete pavement.
Speaking earlier during a courtesy visit by the NDDC team, the Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, appreciated NDDC’s efforts and called for the speedy completion of the Bonny Ring Road.
The Monarch, who was represented by the Chairman of the Bonny Council of Chiefs, Alabo Dagogo Claude-Wilcox, urged the NDDC to ensure strict supervision of the project to prevent delays that could come from the contractor.