The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced that the 1.2-kilometre Kaa–Ataba Bridge linking Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State is expected to be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office.
The assurance was given by the Managing Director of the Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, during an inspection visit to the project site by members of the NDDC Governing Board led by its Chairman, Mr Chiedu Ebie.
Members of the inspection team included the Executive Director of Projects, Dr Victor Antai; the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde; as well as other senior officials of the Commission.
Speaking during the visit, Ogbuku reiterated the Commission’s determination to fulfil the presidential directive to complete major legacy projects across the Niger Delta region.
He noted that the NDDC would continue to provide the necessary assistance required by the contractor to ensure the bridge is completed within the stipulated timeline.
Ogbuku described the Kaa–Ataba Bridge as one of the Commission’s most ambitious projects, adding that it represents the longest bridge in the Niger Delta and ranks among the longest in Nigeria.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work at the site, explaining that the project forms part of the key infrastructure programmes the Federal Government intends to complete under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the Commission remains committed to ensuring that the government’s development agenda delivers meaningful benefits to communities across the Niger Delta.
“The President gave us a marching order to make a positive impact in the Niger Delta. The Board and Management are working diligently to meet Mr President’s expectations,” Ogbuku said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, said the bridge project demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to accelerating development in the oil-producing region.
He stated that the project is expected to be ready for inauguration within the year, adding that the contractor has assured the Commission that construction will be completed according to schedule.
“We have been briefed by the on-site engineers, and they are as determined as we are to deliver the project on schedule,” Ebie stated.
A representative of the contracting company, Christian Emeozor, explained that unfavourable weather conditions had slowed progress at certain stages of the project.
He, however, assured the Commission that additional manpower and equipment would be mobilised to accelerate the construction work.
“We are committed to delivering on speed and quality,” Emeozor said, promising that the company would take all necessary steps to ensure timely completion of the bridge.
Community leaders also welcomed the development. The Paramount Ruler of Ataba Kingdom in Andoni Local Government Area, King Benson Egwenre, commended the NDDC for undertaking the project, noting that the bridge would significantly enhance economic and social activities in the surrounding communities.
During the same inspection tour, the NDDC delegation also assessed ongoing construction work at the Niger Delta Regional Hospital in Port Harcourt, which will include specialised cardiovascular and orthopaedic units.
Ebie emphasised that the hospital project reflects the Commission’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure across the region.
He noted that the facility is expected to help reduce the growing trend of medical tourism by providing advanced healthcare services within the country.
Ogbuku also explained that the Commission’s development efforts extend beyond infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
“Our intervention is not only on road construction or solar lights; we all know that health is wealth, and the people of the Niger Delta must be healthy,” he said.
According to him, the hospital is designed as a modern medical facility capable of serving people across the Niger Delta and other parts of the country.
He added that once the project is completed and fully equipped with modern medical technology, plans are in place to operate the hospital through strategic partnerships with experts in hospital management.
