Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for improved quality in project execution and stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure meaningful development across the Niger Delta.
The governor made the call on Monday while receiving members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), led by Asuquo Ekpenyong and Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, at Government House, Asaba.
Oborevwori, who expressed appreciation for the committees’ visit and their oversight functions, emphasized that interventionist agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission must prioritize transparency, accountability, and impact-driven projects.
He stressed the need for contractors to deliver durable and high-quality jobs, warning against substandard projects that fail shortly after completion.
According to him, development efforts must reflect the real needs of the people through proper assessment rather than assumptions.
The governor further urged the NDDC to adopt feedback mechanisms that allow communities to report poorly executed projects, citing instances where contractors delivered substandard work, including a school roofing project that required government intervention.
Oborevwori also highlighted the importance of engaging local contractors for smaller-scale projects, noting that while large, complex jobs may require international firms, indigenous contractors should be given opportunities to execute community-based projects effectively.
He commended the improved security situation in the Niger Delta, attributing it to sustained collaboration between federal and state governments, as well as regional stakeholders.
Earlier, Senator Ekpenyong said the joint committee was in Delta State to commence an oversight exercise on NDDC projects and deemed it necessary to pay a courtesy visit to the governor.
He praised the Oborevwori administration for its strides in infrastructure development, urban renewal, human capital development, and youth-focused programmes, noting that the government has remained committed to improving the living conditions of the people.
Ekpenyong added that the committee’s visit was aimed not only at inspecting projects but also at ensuring that NDDC interventions translate into tangible benefits for host communities.
He assured the governor of the committee’s readiness to collaborate with the state government and other stakeholders to strengthen oversight and accelerate development projects across the region.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of both the Delta State Government and the National Assembly committees to deepen accountability and enhance the effectiveness of interventionist agencies in the Niger Delta.
