The Bayelsa State Government has urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to resume and complete the long-abandoned Akenfa Bridge project, describing the stalled work as critical to mobility and economic activity in the Yenagoa suburb.
Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo made the appeal on Thursday while presiding over an enlarged meeting with NDDC representatives, leaders of Akenfa community and state officials at Government House, Yenagoa.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, Ewhrudjakpo explained that although the state had earlier taken over some neglected NDDC projects, including the Polaku–Sabagreia Bridge, the Akenfa Bridge was mutually handed back to the Commission.
According to him, the government formally communicated the reversion in a letter dated 10 March 2025.
The Deputy Governor described the Akenfa link bridge as a strategic public asset that has been left unattended for too long.
He stated that its completion would ease the daily strain on residents who rely on the route for work, trade and access to neighbouring communities.
“The project has actually been sent back to the NDDC to handle. We believe that the project has gone a long way. What is required to complete it may not be as much as what has gone in there. Our community is increasingly agitated, considering the long history of that project,” he said.
He called on the NDDC to accelerate all processes necessary to complete the bridge, stressing that the people of Akenfa had endured commuting challenges for years.
Responding on behalf of the Commission, the Bayelsa Representative, Senator Deinyabofa Dimaro, said the NDDC would review the project with the intention of capturing it in the Commission’s 2026 budget.
Dimaro added that he would brief the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and requested relevant documentation from the state to support the review.
Community leaders who spoke at the meeting included former Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Chief Dikivie Ikiogha, and former paramount ruler of Akenfa, Chief Isiya Albert.
To ensure follow-through, the Deputy Governor announced the constitution of a tripartite contact committee involving the state government, NDDC and Akenfa community.
Members include Senator Dimaro; Commissioner for Special Duties (Central), Mr Mandy Akpallo; Chief Dikivie Ikiogha; Technical Adviser to the Governor on NDDC Matters, Mr Kuro Nyenye; Chief Isiya Albert; Akenfa Community Secretary, Mr Wilson Mumeya; Youth President, Mr Moses Izibekiebo; and an engineer to be nominated by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
Top government officials present were the Member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1, Chief Ayibanengiyefa Egba; Yenagoa Local Government Chairman, Hon Bulodisiye Ndiwari; the Head of Yenagoa Rural Development Authority, Mr Bobby Gabriel; NDDC State Director, Engr Alamieyeseigha Godknows; and Assistant Director, Engr Anthony Perewari.
READ ALSO: NDDC Commissions New Naval Base in Bayelsa
0 Comments