The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced a strategic partnership with Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) to fast-track the completion of the 27.1-kilometre Bonny Ring Road and Bridges project in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
During an inspection tour of the project, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering the landmark road initiative and several other infrastructure projects across the region. He emphasized that the intervention aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to accelerate development in Nigeria’s oil-producing communities.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (right), speaking during the inspection of the Bony Ring Road in Bony Local Government Area of Rivers State. With him are the NDDC Executive Director, Project, Sir Victor Antai (2nd right); the Director, UIDW, Kingsley Oboh (right); and the Amopusenibo, Engr. Biekpo Chapp-Jumbo (left).2. The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (2nd left) in a handshake with the Chairman of the Bonny Council of Chiefs, Alabo Dagogo Claude-Wilcox, (2nd right), during a courtesy visit to the Amayanabo of Bonny, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, at his palace. With him are the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai (right), and the Vice Chairman, Bony Chiefs Council, Se-Alabo Haniel (left).
According to a statement issued by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs noted that Dr. Ogbuku, accompanied by the Commission’s Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, and other senior officials, also paid a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, at his palace.
Addressing the monarch, the NDDC boss disclosed that their visit was twofold: to assess progress on the Bonny Ring Road and to seek royal blessings ahead of the Commission’s 25th anniversary celebration. The anniversary festivities will commence with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Ondo State.
As part of the celebrations, Dr. Ogbuku revealed that the late Harold Dappa-Biriye, a prominent Niger Delta nationalist from Bonny, will be honoured posthumously. His name will be inscribed at the new NDDC headquarters at Marine Base, Port Harcourt, in recognition of his enduring contributions to the Niger Delta cause.
“The Commission will continue to implement projects based on thorough needs assessments. We are focused on delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government in the Niger Delta,” Ogbuku stated. “Our projects are designed to reduce poverty and drive inclusive economic growth in host and adjoining communities.”
He highlighted that the Bonny Ring Road is one of several legacy projects included in the Commission’s 2024 budget, made possible through funds approved by President Tinubu. Other priority projects include the Kaa-Ataba Bridge and the Okrika-Borokiri Bridge, also in Rivers State.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (2nd left) in a handshake with the Chairman of the Bonny Council of Chiefs, Alabo Dagogo Claude-Wilcox, (2nd right), during a courtesy visit to the Amayanabo of Bonny, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, at his palace. With him are the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai (right), and the Vice Chairman, Bony Chiefs Council, Se-Alabo Haniel (left).
Ogbuku explained that NDDC’s development strategy involves active collaboration with International Oil Companies (IOCs). “We are not in competition with state governments; we are complementing their efforts. Our partnership with NLNG is a prime example of how we can work together to achieve transformative results.”
Braving a heavy downpour, the NDDC boss, alongside Bonny chiefs, inspected the ring road project, which is expected to improve access between Bonny Town and surrounding communities, while complementing the ongoing Bonny-Bodo Road being built by the Federal Government.
The Managing Director of the construction firm executing the project, Engr. Dennis Ododah, assured stakeholders that the Bonny Ring Road would be completed by the first quarter of 2027. He disclosed that the 27.14-kilometre road includes 13 bridges and 26 kilometres of concrete pavement.
Earlier during the visit, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, represented by the Chairman of the Bonny Council of Chiefs, Alabo Dagogo Claude-Wilcox, expressed appreciation for NDDC’s intervention and urged the Commission to ensure close monitoring of the project to avoid unnecessary delays.
