A heated dispute has erupted between the Delta State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over the responsibility for repairing federal roads in the state.
NDDC Commissioner representing Delta State, Hon. Monday Igbuya, accused the state government of neglecting federal road projects, leaving the burden on the commission. However, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has dismissed these claims as baseless and misleading.
Speaking during the inauguration of the reconstructed 9.6 km Abraka-Oben Road and the flag-off of repairs on the Abraka-Agbor Road (Phase 1) in Abraka, Ethiope East LGA, the governor, represented by Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Reuben Izeze, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to addressing road infrastructure challenges, including federal roads.
Oborevwori highlighted past interventions, recalling that during his tenure as Speaker, the state government funded the rehabilitation of the Benin-Sapele Road and intervened on the deteriorating Benin-Warri Highway to ease travel difficulties.
“Suggesting that the Delta State Government has abandoned federal roads is a gross misrepresentation,” the governor stated. He also pointed to significant state-led projects, such as the ongoing Ughelli-Asaba dualisation and bridge constructions along Federal Trunk A roads in Warri, aimed at reducing travel time and improving connectivity.
Despite the criticism, the governor commended the NDDC for initiating the reconstruction of the Abraka-Oben access road and encouraged the commission to extend the project to Benin.
Oborevwori emphasized the state’s dedication to partnering with the federal government under President Bola Tinubu for the region’s socio-economic development. He also noted that Delta ensures contractors receive up to 40% mobilization funds to counter inflationary pressures, contrasting with uncertainty over NDDC’s contractor policies.
The clash underscores ongoing tensions between state governments and federal agencies over infrastructure responsibilities in the Niger Delta.
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