BY ARCHIBONG EYO, CALABAR – The Cross River State Government will partner the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to construct the 14.5 kilometres access way from Calabar to the proposed site of the Bakassi Deep Seaport.
Also, the State has advocated synergy and strong partnership among member states, the NDDC and Federal government agencies in developing the Niger Delta region.
Cross River Governor, Professor Ben Ayade told the NDDC management team in Calabar, that there should be no contention among stakeholders working towards the same goals, adding; “We are not competitors. We are partners in progress and as such, all the states in the Niger Delta and the NDDC must work in harmony. It is always better to sit down and share thoughts.”
He said the road project partnership is among the signature and economically viable projects that would add value and generate employment for teeming youths in the State.
The Governor said when commissioned, the road would complement the Deep Seaport project and open up the area to engender economic development and growth in the State, stressing that despite paucity of funds in its coffers, the current administration is committed to re-positioning the State for sustainable socio-economic development and growth.
According to Professor Ayade, who described the NDDC management as an industrious team with great vision for development, the visit will further promote the existing cordial relationship between the State and the Commission.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman, NDDC’s Governing Board, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba said the Commission is ready to assist Cross River realise the benefits of the Deep Seaport project by ensuring the road is constructed and commissioned within the proposed time-frame.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain said Deep Seaport remains a major project that will have positive impact on the socio-economic life of the State and Nigeria in general.
Pleading that the Commission should not be judged by its past actions, Senator Ndoma-Egba said NDDC has turned a new leaf with an attitude of partnership and cooperation to effectively deliver on its mandate to the Niger Delta people.
The NDDC team comprised the Governing Board Chairman, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN); Managing Director, Mr. Nsima Ekere; and Executive Director Finance and Administration, Mr Mene Derek; Executive Director Projects, Engineer Samuel Adjogbe, and among others.
