“Senator Ekpenyong Advocates for NDDC to Bring Real Change as Mandated by NASS”
The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, NDEC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has revealed that the National Assembly is determined to ensure that any initiatives carried out by the federal government agency produce substantial advantages for the populace.
He mentioned this in Calabar, on Tuesday, when he guided a Joint National Assembly Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission to examine NDDC Road Projects in Cross River State.
The federal legislators conducted an oversight visit to significant NDDC projects in Cross River state, including the renovation of Odukpani Junction–Okom Ita–Uyanga–Ehom road.
Senator Ekpenyong, while addressing the audience, highlighted that the oversight visit is part of the constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly.
He asserted that the inspection reinforces the commitment of President Bola Tinubu and the Chairperson of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio to ensure that every NDDC intervention results in genuine value for local communities.
Upon the joint committee inspecting the renovation of critical roads like the Akamkpa–Uyanga–Ehom corridor, Ekpenyong stated that it is crucial for the nation’s economic development, agricultural growth, and interconnectivity of communities.
He clarified that Akamkpa Local Government, for example, is the exclusive provider of all construction aggregates utilized for road development across the south-south region, necessitating improved roads.
Moreover, he remarked that the Senate Committee would persist in enhancing oversight to ensure transparency, effectiveness, and timely completion of projects throughout the Niger Delta region.
In her remarks, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu emphasized the significance of accountability and teamwork.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that the resources allocated to the Niger Delta genuinely benefit the populace. What we have observed here is promising, and we will continue to collaborate with pertinent stakeholders to ensure that all projects fulfill the required standards and are finished for public access.”
Welcoming the delegation at Government House, Governor Bassey Edet Otu expressed gratitude for the visit and praised the National Assembly for its dedication to effective supervision of NDDC projects.
“I appreciate this joint oversight visit as a testament to your dedication to ensuring that developmental interventions in the Niger Delta are not only implemented but are also beneficial to the citizens.
“Cross River State remains receptive to strong collaboration with the National Assembly and the NDDC to expedite infrastructure development and enhance the livelihoods of our people.”
The Governor noted that strategic alliances between the state government, the NDDC, and federal legislators are vital to unlocking the complete developmental potential of the state, especially in rural communities.
