Emmanuel Ukudolo I Friday, Oct.24, 2025
AYAKORO, Nigeria — The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has unveiled a suite of state-of-the-art security installations in Ayakoro, Bayelsa State, handing over crucial operational assets to the Nigerian Navy in a move aimed at significantly boosting maritime security in Nigeria’s oil-producing heartland.
The newly commissioned facilities were described as “strategic security projects” by the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, who was represented by the Commander, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Noel Madugu.
Ayakoro, a critical town situated on the river, was identified as central to maintaining stability in the volatile Niger Delta region.
”The event we are witnessing today is a statement of the existing close collaboration between the NDDC and the Nigerian Navy, which is geared towards addressing maritime security challenges in the region,” Admiral Madugu stated during the commissioning ceremony.
He assured local communities that the Navy would “spare no effort” to fully realize the objectives of the new security projects and solicited their support in intelligence sharing to enhance operations.
The handover underscores a shared understanding that development cannot proceed without peace. Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, emphasized this interconnectedness, stating that a strong partnership with security agencies is paramount for sustainable development.
”President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the peace and development of the Niger Delta region, and he has given us a matching order to embark on legacy projects,” Dr. Ogbuku noted, adding that this mandate cannot be achieved “if there is no peace.”
He highlighted the dependency of Nigeria’s crude oil output—a major source of foreign exchange—on a secure marine environment, reiterating the NDDC’s commitment to supporting security agencies.
The commission’s history of support includes building jetties, constructing schools, and assisting with various infrastructure within naval installations.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri, echoed the sentiment on the region’s critical role in the national economy. Represented by Brigadier General Eric Angaye (Rtd.), the Governor pointed out that the Niger Delta contains most of Nigeria’s international coastline outside of Lagos, all within the Gulf of Guinea. This makes the region indispensable to the nation’s oil economy and global maritime trade.
The extensive list of newly commissioned projects, detailed by NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Dr. Victor Antai, includes a fully furnished Administrative block and Accommodation block, a fully furnished 40-man houseboat with dual generators, two gunboats powered by 200 HP engines, a full-option Toyota Hilux for operations, and a newly built Operational Floating Jetty.
Furthermore, the local Ayakoro community is gifting the Navy a large tract of land to build a Navy school, cementing the community’s commitment to the security initiative.
The Acting Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro, Chief Micah Etebi, affirmed that the projects demonstrate the NDDC’s tangible impact on the people of the Niger Delta, signaling local buy-in for the naval presence.
The initiative, according to the NDDC, is part of President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and represents a concerted effort to enhance maritime security, address critical regional needs, and ensure a more secure and sustainable environment for economic activity.
