Cross River Lawmaker, Hon. Francis Ogban, Leads Assembly Delegation to NDDC for Strategic Development Partnership
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

In a move aimed at deepening collaboration and accelerating infrastructure delivery, the member representing Biase State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. (Engr.) Francis Ogban, has led a delegation of lawmakers to the headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The visit, which formed part of the legislator’s oversight functions and his broader commitment to inclusive development, was undertaken by members of the House Committee on Power and NDDC, chaired by Hon. Ogban. The delegation sought to strengthen ties between the Cross River State Government and the NDDC with the goal of attracting more impactful projects to Biase and other parts of the state.

Strengthening Collaboration for Grassroots Development

During the meeting, Hon. Ogban explained that the engagement was part of a strategic effort to fast-track ongoing NDDC projects, initiate new interventions, and ensure that development efforts are fairly distributed across all communities in Cross River State.

According to him, the visit aligns with the Assembly’s mandate to ensure transparency, accountability, and value delivery in public infrastructure projects executed by federal agencies operating within the state.

“Our mission is clear — to bridge gaps, to ensure equity, and to make sure that Cross River communities are not left behind in the NDDC’s developmental plans,” Hon. Ogban stated. “This engagement provides an opportunity for both the state and the Commission to jointly identify priority areas and create an actionable framework for execution.”

Delegation Calls for Focus on Critical Infrastructure

Hon. Ogban was accompanied by Hon. Bette Obi, Member representing Boki I State Constituency, and Hon. Brian Odey, Member representing Yala I State Constituency. Together, they highlighted the urgent need for the NDDC to intensify efforts in key sectors such as road rehabilitation, rural electrification, and social infrastructure development, which are vital to improving local economies and the quality of life for residents.

The lawmakers stressed that Biase and several rural communities in Cross River State still face significant infrastructure deficits that require urgent intervention from the NDDC. They noted that improved collaboration would not only enhance service delivery but also stimulate agricultural and commercial productivity within the region.

Commitment to Fair Representation

Reaffirming his commitment to the people of Biase, Hon. Ogban assured that the Committee would continue to work closely with relevant agencies to monitor project implementation and ensure transparency in budgetary allocations.

He expressed optimism that the outcome of the visit would lead to the completion of long-abandoned projects and the introduction of new development initiatives that directly impact lives at the grassroots level.

“We are optimistic that this renewed collaboration will translate into visible, tangible results,” Hon. Ogban said. “Our priority remains to ensure that every local government area in Cross River benefits from NDDC interventions in a fair and equitable manner.”

NDDC Commended for Ongoing Projects

Hon. Ogban also commended the management of the NDDC for the various interventions already ongoing across the state, describing them as vital to improving connectivity, enhancing power supply, and supporting local enterprise. However, he appealed to the Commission to extend more attention to communities that have historically been marginalised in project implementation.

He emphasised that inclusive growth in the Niger Delta region requires strategic partnerships between state institutions and federal agencies like the NDDC.

“The development of the Niger Delta cannot be achieved in isolation. Collaborative engagements like this are what drive sustainable progress and accountability,” he concluded.

The NDDC management, in response, pledged to review the issues raised by the delegation and to strengthen cooperation with the Cross River State Government to ensure improved service delivery in subsequent project cycles.

The visit marks a significant step toward reinforcing partnership-driven development in Cross River State, setting the tone for better coordination and equitable distribution of federal intervention projects across the region.

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