By Jonathan Lois, Abuja
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Works to include the construction of Oko-Abala Osunili-Utchi-Okpai- Abala Agada-Aboh-Umolu-Onyia-Osafo road through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the 2024 budget estimates.
It also urged the Federal Ministries of Works, Niger-Delta Affairs, Delta State Government, and Niger–Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to collaborate with private investors, and local communities to ensure implementation of the infrastructure project.
The Committees on Niger-Delta Development Commission, Works and Appropriations were mandated to ensure compliance.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Construct Coastal Road to Connect Communities in Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency” moved by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi.
The House noted that the transportation challenges experienced by residents of the River Niger Coastal Communities, spanning from Asaba-Oko in Oshimili South Local Government Area to Abala osumili-Utchi-Okpai-Abalagada-Aboh-Umolu-Onyia-Osafo in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, approximately 102 kilometres.
The House also noted that the proposed road will pass through Nigeria’s major oil and gas-producing communities, which are home to the largest natural gas reserve in the West African subregion.
The House said it was aware that the longstanding plea for a coastal road in Ndokwa East Local Government Area is needed to bridge the gap with urban areas, particularly the capital city of Asaba to improve accessibility to essential services like quality healthcare, social amenities and job opportunities.
The House said it was also aware that the proposed coastal road will enhance connectivity, transportation infrastructure, and agricultural development in Ndokwa’s coastal communities, improving overall living standards and addressing limited accessibility.
It recognised that Ndokwa East Coastal Communities are comprised of agricultural settlements renowned for producing farm produce such as yams, cassavas, and plantains, but, the absence of proper
transportation infrastructure hampers accessibility to markets thus, impedes economic progress.
It was cognizant of the limitations in transporting agricultural produce from Ndokwa’s coastal communities to
market.
It was also cognizant that constructing the coastal road will establish a direct and reliable route, facilitating the transportation of commuters and distribution of agricultural products.
The House noted the tremendous economic potentials of agriculture and connectivity The study highlights the economic potential of agriculture and the connectivity benefits of a coastal road and the Asaba�Onitsha bridge, which connect coastal communities.
The House said it was aware of the economic potential of agriculture and the benefits of a coastal road and the Asaba-Onitsha Bridge, which when connected to neighbouring communities will boost commerce and transportation
efficiency, thus creating opportunities for regional trade and enhancing overall nation’s overall economic development.
The House also recognize the importance of linking Asaba and the Second Niger Bridge to the vibrant Onitsha market, the largest market in West Africa will unlock immense economic opportunities, promoting trade and commerce, and attracting investments to the region.
The lawmaker also submitted a petition against result withholding and JAMB regularization hurdles at the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State.
“I also submitted a petition on behalf of a student concerning the Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State. The grievance pertains to the Rector’s alleged withholding of backlog results and the obstruction of students from participating in JAMB regularization exercises, a privilege enjoyed by their counterparts in other institutions and thus extending their due graduation date,” he said.
