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The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, NDEC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has disclosed that the National Assembly is bent on ensuring that any projects undertaken by the federal government agency deliver tangible benefits to the people.
He stated this in Calabar, Tuesday, when he led a Joint National Assembly Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission to inspects NDDC Road Projects in Cross River State.
The federal lawmakers undertook an oversight visit to key NDDC projects in Cross River state, including the reconstruction of Odukpani Junction–Okom Ita–Uyanga–Ehom road.
Senator Ekpenyong while speaking emphasized that the oversight visit was part of the National Assembly’s constitutional mandate.
He said that the 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 local communities.
When the joint committee inspected the reconstruction of critical roads such as the Akamkpa–Uyanga–Ehom corridor, Ekpenyong said it was vital to the Nation’s economic growth, agricultural expansion, and connectivity of communities.
He explained that Akamkpa Local Government, for instance is the sole supplier of all construction aggregates used for road construction across the south south region, and requires better roads.
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, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu stressed the importance of accountability and collaboration.
“Our duty is to ensure that the resources committed to the Niger Delta truly serve 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.”
Receiving the delegation at Government House, Governor 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.
NDDC must deliver tangible benefits as directed by NASS – Senator Ekpenyong
