Senator Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) on Tuesday tackled the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over the long-standing infrastructure deficit in Delta State.

The management of the NDDC, led by its managing director, Samuel Ogbuku, had appeared before the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission to defend its 2025 budget expenditure.

However, Mr Nwoko, representing the Delta North Senatorial District, used the opportunity to raise concerns over a critical road infrastructure project in Delta, which he said had yet to take off despite being appropriated in the previous budget.

“Mr MD, when you last appeared before this committee, a matter of great importance to my constituents, and indeed, Delta was raised.

“I refer to the road project traversing Oko, Abala, Utchi, Okpai, Aboh, and Asaba-Ase, down to Patani. This project was clearly captured in the last budget, yet to date, no tangible progress has been recorded,” he said.

He emphasised the strategic and humanitarian importance of the project, noting that it was conceived not merely as a transport corridor but as a flood-control intervention for vulnerable communities.

“We are all aware of the strategic value of coastal roads. This particular design was meant to incorporate embankments capable of preventing floodwaters from encroaching into hinterland communities and endangering lives.

“This is a project with direct social impact that would significantly improve livelihoods. Unfortunately, in spite of its inclusion in the budget, nothing has happened,” Mr Nwoko stated.

The lawmaker further said the issue would be raised during a closed-door meeting with the commission, as the committee subsequently resolved to continue deliberations in the executive session.

Earlier in his presentation, Mr Ogbuku disclosed that as of October 31, the commission’s actual revenue stood at N1.985 trillion, surpassing the projected N1.911 trillion recorded between April 2024 and September 2025.

He explained that it represented a performance level of 104 per cent and attributed the improved revenue outcome largely to the extension of the 2024 budget implementation to December 31.

The MD also explained that the proposed 2025 budget, christened the “Budget of Consolidation,” was pegged at N1.75 trillion, reflecting a nine per cent reduction from the 2024 figure.

According to him, the downward adjustment is informed by the commission’s deliberate no-borrowing policy.

At the commencement of the session, Mr Nwoko drew attention to the recent passing of the former chairman of the committee, Peter Nwaoboshi.

He moved a motion for a minute’s silence in his honour, which was adopted by the committee.

(NAN)