The Bayelsa State Government has clarified that the Akenfa Bridge project is no longer under its jurisdiction but that of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, made the clarification in a statement on Thursday while reacting to the recent blockade of the Mbiama–Yenagoa Road by residents of Akenfa community.
According to the statement, the contract for the bridge was initially awarded by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in 2000 before being taken over by the NDDC.
In 2023, the state government had requested that the NDDC hand over the project, alongside other stalled infrastructure works in Bayelsa, to enable their completion.
However, after initial discussions and agreement, the NDDC later reversed its decision, reclaiming responsibility for the Akenfa Bridge.
"As it stands, the project is the responsibility of the Niger Delta Development Commission and not the Bayelsa State Government. The leadership of Akenfa is aware of this development," Obiyai said.
She described the protest and road blockade as "ill-advised and misdirected," saying that it was wrong for the community to accuse the state government of neglect when several Prosperity Administration sponsored projects are ongoing in the area.
"The government is disappointed that the community leadership is playing politics with their community’s development," the commissioner added.
While acknowledging the plight of Akenfa residents, Obiyai assured that the state government would engage with the NDDC to ensure that the bridge project is completed without further delay.
She also urged the community to exercise restraint and avoid any further actions that could disrupt public movement, assuring that the government is adopting a constructive approach to resolve the issue.
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