Ukorebi Esien | June 27, 2025
CALABAR — Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to expedite the completion of stalled and abandoned projects across the state. The governor made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, at the Executive Council Chambers, Calabar.
While welcoming the NDDC delegation, Governor Otu emphasized the need for the Commission to pay urgent attention to long-neglected projects that could significantly improve the livelihoods of Cross Riverians.
"Cross River is a state eager to develop, but often constrained by limited resources," he noted. "We appreciate NDDC's willingness to re-engage stalled projects, especially the Adiabo–Ikoneto road and the abandoned Ikom Medical Centre. Projects like these must not be allowed to deteriorate further," Otu stated.
The governor also highlighted other critical NDDC interventions that require attention, including the long-delayed youth centre in Akpabuyo and support for over 54,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state.
"We do not have any issues with NDDC," Otu added. "Where communication failed in the past, we are now committed to resolving those gaps. However, greater inclusion of state-specific priorities must be built into the Commission's work plan."
In his remarks, NDDC MD/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, assured the governor of the Commission's commitment to completing legacy projects and improving accountability. "We are shifting from transactional to transformational impact. Our focus is on completing projects that matter most to our communities," he said.
Dr. Ogbuku was accompanied by Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, the NDDC state representative on the Board, and other management staff. He commended the state's cooperation and invited Governor Otu to the Commission's 25th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for July 6–12, 2025.
Both parties agreed to intensify technical engagement, with Governor Otu directing state officials to work closely with NDDC's Executive Director of Projects to prioritize interventions across the state.
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