The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has assured that the 21-kilometre Ehime-Nguru–Aba Branch–Mpam–Umuokirika–Ekwereazu Road linking Imo, Abia and Rivers states will be completed in record time.
A press statement signed and issued by
Seledi Thompson-Wakama,
Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC stated there
Ogbuku gave the assurance during an inspection of a section of the project in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, where he expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and disclosed that the second phase would soon be awarded.
Describing the road as strategic, the NDDC boss said the project would strengthen connectivity among three mandate states — Imo, Abia and Rivers — while traversing four local government areas in Imo State: Ahiazu Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise and Ngor Okpala.
He added that the Ahiara–Ngor Okpala axis of the road would also be awarded, noting that its completion would stimulate economic activities and ease movement across the benefiting communities.
Ogbuku, who was accompanied on the inspection by the Commission’s Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, thanked residents of Ahiazu Mbaise for their warm reception and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure in line with 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 what he described as renewed momentum in regional development under the current board and management.
He noted that the road had remained impassable for over 15 years, symbolising neglect and hardship for communities dependent on it for agriculture, trade and access to essential services.
“This corridor is a vital economic and social lifeline, facilitating agricultural activities, trade, inter-community movement and access to essential services. This intervention 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.”
