President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to inaugurate the 1.2-kilometre Kaa–Ataba Bridge linking Khana and Andoni local government areas of Rivers State as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) disclosed this during an inspection of the project by members of its Governing Board led by the Chairman, Chiedu Ebie.
The team included the Commission’s Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku; Executive Director, Projects, Victor Antai; Executive Director, Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde; and other senior officials.
Speaking during the inspection, Ogbuku reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the presidential directive to complete all legacy projects across the Niger Delta region.
He noted that the Kaa–Ataba Bridge, which connects Khana Local Government Area and Andoni Local Government Area, is one of the Commission’s most ambitious projects and stands as the longest bridge in the Niger Delta and among the longest in Nigeria.
The NDDC managing director expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, stating that the project forms part of the Federal Government’s development drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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 President’s expectations,” Ogbuku said.
Also speaking, Ebie said the bridge project demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development in the region.
He added that the contractor handling the project had assured the Commission that the bridge would be delivered on schedule and ready for inauguration this year.
“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, Engineer Christian Emeozor, attributed earlier delays to adverse weather conditions but assured the Commission that additional manpower and materials would be deployed to ensure timely completion.
He pledged that the company would maintain both speed and quality in delivering the project.
Meanwhile, traditional rulers from the benefiting communities commended the Commission for undertaking the bridge project, noting that it would significantly boost socio-economic activities in the area.
The Paramount Ruler of Ataba Kingdom in Andoni LGA, Benson Egwenre, praised the NDDC for executing the project, while the traditional ruler of Kaa in Khana LGA, Benjamin Ledor, assured the Commission of the community’s cooperation to ensure the project’s timely completion.
The inspection team also visited the ongoing Niger Delta Regional Hospital project in Port Harcourt, which is expected to house cardiovascular and orthopaedic units.
Ebie emphasised the importance of healthcare infrastructure, noting that the regional hospital would help reduce medical tourism.
“We are happy that the contractors are working closely with suppliers on hospital equipment. Based on the progress of the project, the contractor has promised that the hospital will be ready before the end of the year,” he said.
Ogbuku added that the project reflects the Commission’s broader development focus beyond roads and bridges.
“Our intervention is not only on road construction or solar lights. Health is wealth, and the people of the Niger Delta must have access to quality healthcare,” he said.
According to him, the facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and may be operated through partnerships with organisations experienced in hospital management once completed.
The project coordinator, Douglas Okafor, said the contractors were working to ensure the hospital project meets global best practices in quality and delivery.
