The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has assured stakeholders that the 21-kilometre Ehime-Nguru-Aba Branch-Mpam-Umuokirika-Ekwereazu Road linking Imo, Abia and Rivers states will be completed in record time.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Ogbuku gave the assurance while inspecting a section of the road project in Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State. He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work done so far, noting that the second phase of the project would soon be awarded.
The NDDC boss, who was accompanied by the Commission’s Executive Director, Projects, Dr. Victor Antai, underscored the strategic importance of the road. He explained that the project connects three NDDC mandate states — Imo, Abia and Rivers — while cutting across four local government areas in Imo State: Ahiazu Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise and Ngor Okpala.
Ogbuku further assured that the Ahiara–Ngor Okpala axis of the road would also be awarded, stressing that the full completion of the project would significantly boost socio-economic activities in the affected communities.
He thanked the people of Ahiazu Mbaise for the warm reception accorded him and the NDDC delegation, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to delivering the project as part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the Igwe-in-Council and the people of Ahiazu Mbaise and Ehime Mbano, the traditional ruler of Ihitteaforukwu Kingdom, Eze Dr. O. Nwandu, commended the NDDC for its renewed focus on infrastructure development across the Niger Delta. He noted that the road had been impassable for over 15 years.
“This corridor is a vital economic and social lifeline, facilitating agricultural activities, trade, inter-community movement, and access to essential services. This intervention by the NDDC will deliver high-impact benefits across multiple communities, local government areas and states,” he said.
“For many years, this road symbolised neglect and hardship. Today, through visionary leadership and timely intervention, hope has been restored.”