- The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (1st right), and the Executive Director Projects, Dr Victor Antai (2nd right) being briefed during the inspection of the 21-kilometre Ehime-Nguru-Aba Branch-Mpam-Umuokirika-Ekwereazu Road, in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
By Staff Reporter
IMO STATE – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the rapid completion of the 21-kilometre Ehime-Nguru-Aba Branch-Mpam-Umuokirika-Ekwereazu Road, a critical infrastructure project set to reconnect three major states in the region.
During a high-level inspection of the site in Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku expressed satisfaction with the current progress.
He announced that the commission is moving swiftly to the next stage, with the second phase of the project slated for award in the near future.
A Strategic Regional Corridor
The road is more than just a local route; it serves as a vital artery linking Imo, Abia, and Rivers States.
Within Imo State alone, the project traverses four Local Government Areas:
Ahiazu Mbaise
Aboh Mbaise
Ezinihitte Mbaise
Ngor Okpala
Dr. Ogbuku emphasized that the Ahiara-Ngor Okpala axis would also be awarded, highlighting that the completed network is designed to be a catalyst for the local economy.
”The Commission is committed to completing this project as part of the dividends of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Dr. Ogbuku stated, thanking the local community for their warm reception.
The intervention has been met with significant relief from local leaders.
Eze Dr. O. Nwandu, the traditional ruler of Ihitteaforukwu Kingdom, noted that the corridor had been virtually unmotorable for 15 years, symbolising years of neglect for the surrounding communities.
”This corridor is a vital economic and social lifeline,” Eze Nwandu said, speaking on behalf of the Ahiazu Mbaise and Ehime Mbano people.
“For many years, this road symbolised hardship. Today, through visionary leadership and timely intervention, hope has been restored.”
The project is expected to significantly enhance agricultural trade and inter-community movement, providing high-impact benefits for thousands of residents who have long struggled with access to essential services.
