NDDC Assures on Completion of 21-Km Imo–Abia–Rivers Link Road, Adopts New Operating Procedures

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has assured that the 21-kilometre Ehime-Nguru–Aba Branch–Mpam–Umuokirika–Ekwereazu Road linking parts of Imo, Abia and Rivers states will be completed within record time.

Managing Director of the Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, gave the assurance during an inspection visit to a section of the project in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and disclosed that the second phase of the project would soon be awarded.

Ogbuku, who was accompanied by the Commission’s Executive Director, Projects, Victor Antai, described the road as strategic, noting that it connects three NDDC mandate states — Imo, Abia and Rivers — while traversing four local government areas in Imo State: Ahiazu Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise and Ngor Okpala.

He further assured that the Ahiara–Ngor Okpala axis of the road would also be awarded, adding that the completed corridor would significantly boost economic activities and improve mobility across the benefiting communities. He thanked residents of Ahiazu Mbaise for their warm reception and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering projects in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking on behalf of traditional leaders and communities in Ahiazu Mbaise and Ehime Mbano, the traditional ruler of Ihitteaforukwu Kingdom, Eze Dr O. Nwandu, commended the Commission for reviving a project he said had been abandoned for about 15 years. He described the road as a vital economic and social lifeline that supports agriculture, trade, inter-community movement and access to essential services.

He said the intervention would deliver high-impact benefits across multiple communities and states, adding that the renewed work on the road had restored hope to residents after years of neglect and hardship.

NDDC Adopts SOP, Governance Advisory Policies

Meanwhile, the Commission has adopted a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Governance Advisory Policies approved by its Governing Board to guide its operations.

This formed part of the resolutions reached at the end of a three-day NDDC Management Retreat held in Owerri, Imo State. According to a communiqué issued after the retreat, the SOP and Governance Advisory Policies will serve as the Commission’s rule book and guide all processes and operational activities.

The retreat, themed “Consolidating Performance and Repositioning the Commission for Strategic Impact in 2026,” was attended by top management staff, including the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde; and directors across departments.

Participants resolved that strict adherence to the SOP would reduce leadership overload and misalignment, while staff deployment would be aligned with areas of expertise. The communiqué also stressed the need for continuous staff training, mentoring systems and a structured succession plan.

Management further resolved to strengthen accountability frameworks, clarify job descriptions, enforce discipline in line with public service rules, and establish clear reward systems for high performance by individuals and teams.

Other resolutions included improving internal communication channels, strengthening state offices, expanding women empowerment programmes, and ensuring sustainability plans for projects. The Commission also pledged to fully implement the revised Niger Delta Regional Master Plan anchored on Sustainable Development Goals pillars.

The communiqué emphasised regular stakeholder engagement, needs assessment before project conception, post-intervention evaluation, and stronger monitoring and evaluation systems. It also called for harmonisation of project data, exploration of alternative revenue sources through partnerships, and increased investment in emerging clean energy technologies.

Resource persons at the retreat delivered presentations on key institutional and development issues, while participants held interactive sessions aimed at addressing operational challenges and improving overall performance.