Uyo—Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno had a piece of advice for the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh.
Governor Eno said the minister should interact regularly with governors in the region to avoid duplication of projects.
The Nation newspaper reports that the governor said constant parleys will also help clarify roles, prevent project duplication, and promote collaboration.
Acknowledging the intervention of the ministry and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), he expressed a shared commitment to the region’s progress, particularly in areas such as security, agriculture, education, and youth empowerment.
The governor identified the East West Road project as a vital link for the region’s development.
He viewed the visit as the beginning of a new era of collaboration and future partnership in regional developments.
The governor praised the inclusivity of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing the importance of working across party lines and considering themselves as partners.
Highlighting Akwa Ibom’s investments in the Niger Delta, Eno canvassed federal support for the state, despite being one of the largest oil producers and.
He said the environmental degradation in the region and aligned with the minister’s approach.
On his mission to the state, the minister said he came to get first-hand information before embarking on policy implementation. He addressed two critical issues–security and infrastructure.
The minister pointed out the dire situation in places like Eleme and Ahoda, lamenting the lack of access roads in Niger Delta, which serves as the economic backbone of the country.
He said: “I am here to meet with Your Excellency because I know that governors have a strong voice.
“President Obasanjo inaugurated the East West Road project in 2006, and as of now, it remains unfinished.
“We have over 36,000 roads across the country, and I appeal to the governors of the region, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to unite in demanding the transfer of the road back to the Ministry of Niger Delta. With the renewed Hope agenda of the president, we can get it done.”
