Niger Delta

Poor Funding, Institutional Weakness, Bane Of N’Delta Roads – Nihe

Published

10 years ago

April 20, 2016

L-R: Mr God’spower Green (member Media Board, Ogan Mainland Church, Assemblies of God Nigeria), Mr Belema Tariah (member), Miss Ugochi Ihemmadu (member), Mr Julius Onos (chairman), Mr Edward Inyango (Secretary), Mr Wisdom Jonathan (member) at the donation and unveiling of Glass Information Board by the Church Media Board to mark this year’s Media Day by Rivers District Assemblies of God Nigeria last Sunday. Photo: Igbiki Benibo

The Nigerian Institute of
Highway Engineers (NIHE), a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has identified inadequate funding and institutional weakness as key challenges facing roads in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria.
The Principal Consultant, PEAL Consultant Limited, Engineer Mayne David-West, stated this at the 2016 Lecture/Award/Induction and presentation of newsletter by the NIHE in Port Harcourt.
In his lecture titled, “Road Sector Reform: An Imperative for Sustainable Road Development in the Niger Delta”, David-West captured the state of roads in the Niger Delta.
According to him, “many roads or stretches of roads are in poor conditions. About 40 per cent of the total length of roads in the region falls into this category.
“Most communities in the wetland areas of the Niger Delta are without roads and are difficult to reach. Most of the roads within the rural settlements are neither tarred nor well-graded.
“Most of the village roads lack side drains, which means that surface water normally runs into the roads and foot paths, thus accelerating erosion and rendering them virtually unusable in the rainy season”, he said.
Engineer David-West, who was represented by Engineer Saka Tajudeen also attributed the deplorable state of the East West to lack of maintenance.
“The road was built without accepting the need to set aside funds to maintain and preserve its asset value. It, therefore, deteriorated into ruination for several years before a contract for the reconstruction and upgrading was awarded in 2006.
“The problem of bad roads in the Niger Delta has become an embarrassing stigma. In many parts of this region, normal interaction has been frustrated by bad roads. Vehicle owners are in distress as their vehicles are not used optimally”, he said.
He described the proposed “Road Sector Reforms” as a welcome development, but expressed worry over the NDDC Act.
The Road Sector Reform is a welcome idea to the Niger Delta Region. This is particularly so because the function of NDDC as provided by the Act are nebulous, hence until management and Board of NDDC exercise substantial discretion, the commission may do everything and achieve nothing.
“So, an independent institution to drive Road Sector Reforms, domiciled in the NDDC and funded by both the National Roads fund and NDDC is the healing balm for sustainable road development in the Niger Delta Region’, he said.

Sogbeba Dokubo

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.