Senator Ned Nwoko Calls for Emergency Infrastructure Intervention in Delta
During a high-stakes budget defence session for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta North) has raised a strong alarm over the widening infrastructure gap in Delta State. According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the lawmaker criticized the commission’s historical neglect of critical projects in the region, calling for a radical shift in the 2026 fiscal year.
The session, which brought together members of the National Assembly and the executive management of the NDDC, served as a platform for lawmakers to scrutinize the commission’s spending and project delivery records. Senator Nwoko specifically highlighted that despite Delta State’s massive contribution to the national economy, its infrastructure—particularly in Delta North—remains in a state of "unacceptable decay."
The "Delta North" Neglect
Senator Nwoko expressed frustration over the number of abandoned projects and the lack of new, impactful infrastructure in his senatorial district. He noted that many communities remain inaccessible due to failed road networks, while erosion continues to threaten residential areas and farmlands.
“The essence of the NDDC is to bring development to the doorsteps of the people of the Niger Delta. However, looking at the current state of Delta North, it is hard to see the impact of the commission’s interventions,” Nwoko stated during the defence, according to the NAN report.
Accountability and Project Completion
The Senator urged the NDDC leadership to prioritize the completion of existing projects before embarking on new ones, stressing that the "culture of abandoned projects" must end. He demanded a detailed breakdown of the 2026 budget to ensure that Delta State receives an allocation that is commensurate with its status as a major oil-producing state.
In response, the NDDC management acknowledged the concerns raised and promised to look into the specific projects mentioned by the lawmaker. The commission cited funding challenges and legacy debts as major hurdles but maintained that the 2026 budget is designed to be "people-centric."
Calls for Strategic Intervention
Nwoko’s intervention comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of the NDDC’s activities across the Niger Delta. The Senator called for:
Immediate Audit: A comprehensive audit of all NDDC projects in Delta North.
Emergency Road Repairs: Quick intervention on arterial roads connecting rural communities to urban markets.
Erosion Control: Dedicated funding for ecological challenges unique to the Delta landscape.
