The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has intensified efforts to drive infrastructure development and youth empowerment across the Niger Delta, announcing significant progress on the long-awaited Okrika-Borikiri Road and Bridge project in Rivers State while simultaneously encouraging young people to embrace technology as a pathway to economic growth and employment.
The Commission disclosed that work on the 3.75-kilometre Okrika-Borikiri Road, which includes three major bridges linking Okrika and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas, is expected to gather momentum following the resolution of compensation issues affecting property owners along the Borikiri axis of the project.
Speaking during an inspection of the bridge project in Okrika, NDDC Assistant Director of Utilities, Infrastructural Development and Waterways (UIDW), Engr. Martins Isichei, confirmed that compensation had been paid to affected property owners, paving the way for accelerated construction activities.
According to him, the settlement of compensation claims represents a major breakthrough for the project, particularly at the Borikiri end where progress had previously been slowed by issues relating to right-of-way acquisition.
“The NDDC has paid compensation to property owners along the Borikiri alignment, and we are expecting the evacuation of residents there before we commence demolition of structures in the right of way,” Isichei stated.
He noted that despite challenges encountered during execution, construction activities at the Okrika end had continued to make appreciable progress.
Providing details of some of the setbacks, Isichei explained that construction teams had to redesign portions of the bridge after a vessel collided with one of the existing piles.
“For example, when we resumed work on the site, a vessel collided with an existing pile. We had to re-profile the bridge and develop a new design to circumvent the damaged pile,” he said.
The NDDC official expressed optimism that upon completion, the project would significantly reduce traffic congestion on the refinery road corridor while offering residents of Okrika and surrounding communities a faster and more efficient route into Port Harcourt.
He explained that the ambitious project comprises three separate bridge structures, including the 180-metre Kolabi Bridge at the Etche Waterfront, the 1,120-metre Abotoru Bridge located midway along the route, and the 490-metre Okpoka Bridge.
According to him, while substantial progress has been recorded at the Okrika section, work on the Borikiri alignment would now proceed unhindered following the resolution of compensation issues.
“The Borikiri alignment has not made considerable progress because of the issue of compensation. That has now been resolved, and work will soon start there too,” Isichei added.
Also speaking during the inspection, the Project Consultant, Engr. Azu Chukwuma, disclosed that the project scope had undergone a comprehensive review following its revival to ensure that it adequately reflected current realities and engineering requirements.
He stressed the importance of maintaining momentum on the project, particularly given the substantial investments required for marine logistics and construction activities on the waterways.
“I told the Commission a few weeks ago that our intention is to determine how quickly we can proceed with launching the first sets of beams. The work is mainly on the river, and much of the marine logistics involved is costly. I’m in touch with the appropriate officials of the NDDC to determine the best way forward,” Chukwuma said.
He also commended host communities for their cooperation and support, noting that the cordial relationship between project handlers and residents had helped avoid disruptions that often plague large infrastructure projects.
“We are getting maximum cooperation from the surrounding communities, hence we have not had any serious issues. I am happy that they realise the importance of the project,” he stated.
Similarly, a representative of the construction firm handling the project, Engr. Maroun Kassouf, affirmed that work on the bridge beams had advanced considerably and that preparations were underway for the next phase of construction.
“The project is progressing well. Once people evacuate at the Borikiri end, we will demolish the structures there and move to that site immediately. That end would be much easier, as the river is shallower than the Okrika end,” Kassouf explained.
Community leaders have also welcomed the project, describing it as a strategic infrastructure initiative capable of transforming economic activities in the area.
The Vice Chairman of the Okrika Community Development Committee, Mr Minengibi Ferdinand, commended the NDDC for sustaining work on the project despite challenges.
According to him, the road and bridges would improve connectivity between several communities and the Rivers State capital while reducing pressure on existing transport routes.
“It is a laudable project that will ease traffic on the East-West Road and provide an alternate route to Okrika. We are hopeful that once it is completed, it will attract socio-economic development to our community,” Ferdinand said.
Beyond infrastructure development, the Commission is also intensifying efforts to prepare young people in the region for emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
This was evident during the two-day Port Harcourt Tech Expo organised by TechNexus Limited and sponsored by the NDDC, where the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, challenged youths across the Niger Delta to leverage technology for wealth creation, innovation and career development.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (right), inspecting one of the exhibition stands during a two-day technology conference, Port Harcourt Tech Expo in the Rivers State capital on Thursday
Addressing participants at the event, Ogbuku described technology as a critical driver of economic transformation and urged young people to position themselves to take advantage of opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
He explained that the Tech Expo was designed to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to foster collaboration, encourage knowledge-sharing and stimulate investments within the region’s technology ecosystem.
“The NDDC’s active role in initiatives such as the Port Harcourt Tech Expo reflects a strategic move toward building a digitally empowered generation and reinforcing the Commission’s vision of a technology-driven, inclusive development agenda for the Niger Delta,” Ogbuku stated.
“This event brings together technology enthusiasts, innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors from various sectors, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the exploration of investment opportunities within the vibrant tech ecosystem of the Niger Delta.”
The NDDC Managing Director reiterated the Commission’s commitment to partnering with relevant organisations to create sustainable opportunities for training and empowerment in technology-related fields.
Referring to the theme of the event, “Syntropy,” Ogbuku encouraged young people to take personal responsibility for their future and maximise opportunities provided by government and development agencies.
“No one will plan your future for you. While the government has a responsibility to create an enabling environment, it is your responsibility to seize the opportunities it provides. This expo is one such opportunity,” he said.
According to him, the Niger Delta region has recorded significant progress in sectors such as information technology, renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure development, largely driven by local innovators and entrepreneurs.
“In NDDC, we have been actively involved in promoting and supporting technological advancements in the region, recognising the immense potential it holds for economic growth and development,” Ogbuku stated.
“The Niger Delta is home to a diverse community of skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and startups who are driving innovation across various technological fields.”
He added that through targeted interventions and strategic investments, the Commission had helped create an enabling environment for innovation while supporting local talents and technology-driven enterprises.
Delivering the keynote address at the Tech Expo, Chairman of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service, Sir Israel Egbunefu, underscored the growing significance of technology in national development and economic competitiveness.
He urged Nigerian youths to invest intellectually in their future and embrace technological innovation as a pathway to prosperity.
“Technology is the new oil,” Egbunefu declared, calling for a shift away from excessive dependence on crude oil revenues toward a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and digital solutions.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of TechNexus Limited, Belema George, explained that the theme of the 2026 edition of the Tech Expo was inspired by the concept of constructive synergy and collaboration among stakeholders.
He noted that the partnership between TechNexus and the NDDC aligned with the Commission’s mandate to promote sustainable development through innovation, entrepreneurship and strategic investments.
George expressed confidence that the initiative would contribute significantly to technology-driven economic growth in Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
The twin initiatives – the acceleration of the Okrika-Borikiri Road and Bridge project and the promotion of digital innovation through the Port Harcourt Tech Expo – underscore the NDDC’s broader strategy of combining infrastructure development with human capital investment to stimulate economic growth and sustainable development across the Niger Delta region.