The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced that the 1.2kilometer Kaa-Ataba Bridge, which links the Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State, will be inaugurated by Pres. Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the activities marking his third anniversary in office.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed this during an inspection of the site by the Commission’s Governing Board, led by the Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie. The delegation also included the Executive Director of Projects, Dr. Victor Antai; the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; and other senior directors.
During the visit, Ogbuku reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the presidential mandate to complete all legacy projects in the Niger Delta region. He described the Kaa-Ataba Bridge as one of the NDDC’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, noting that it stands as the longest bridge in the Niger Delta and among the longest in Nigeria.
“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. Pres.’s expectations,” Ogbuku stated, adding that the project is a key component of the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Mr. Ebie, the Board Chairman, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the work and noted that the project underscores the Federal Government’s determination to develop the region. “We have been briefed by the on-site engineers, and they are as determined as we are to deliver the project on schedule,” Ebie said.
A representative of the contracting firm, Engr. Christian Emeozor, acknowledged that adverse weather had contributed to previous delays but pledged to intensify efforts to ensure delivery on time, emphasizing a commitment to both speed and quality. The project has also received strong support from local stakeholders, including the Paramount Ruler of Ataba Kingdom, King Benson Egwenre, and the Traditional Ruler of Kaa, King Benjamin Ledor, both of whom promised local cooperation to ensure the project’s successful completion.
In addition to the bridge, the inspection team visited the ongoing construction of the Niger Delta Regional Hospital in Port Harcourt, which will house specialized cardiovascular and orthopaedic units. Ebie noted that this facility is expected to significantly reduce medical tourism in the country.
Ogbuku added that the hospital project demonstrates that the NDDC’s interventions extend beyond road and bridge construction. “We embarked on this project to put a state-of-the-art medical facility in the region. Upon finishing, we intend to operate it through partnerships with those who have the expertise in running hospitals,” the Managing Director explained.
The Project Coordinator, Douglas Okafor, confirmed that the hospital’s development is adhering to global best practices, with contractors working closely with equipment suppliers to ensure the facility is ready for commissioning before the end of the year.
