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The Rivers State Government has called on development partners to widen their focus in the Niger Delta by giving equal attention to innovation hubs, industrial clusters, digital infrastructure, and skills training, alongside traditional infrastructure projects.
Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, made the appeal while receiving the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The minister was accompanied by senior officials from his ministry and members of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board.
Vice Admiral Ibas emphasised that a truly impactful development strategy must go beyond roads and bridges to address economic empowerment and human capital growth. “Infrastructure remains a major need, but so is social investment, human capital development, and economic inclusion. A bridge that doesn’t lead to opportunities is a bridge half built,” he stated.
Highlighting the Niger Delta’s wealth of natural and human resources, he urged the adoption of models that would drive both regional and national economic growth. These, he said, should include innovation hubs, agro-processing zones, industrial clusters, skill acquisition centres, and youth enterprise development programmes.
He commended the NDDC for its contributions to Rivers State, citing major projects such as the ongoing Kaa-Taaba Bridge in Ogoni Land and the Borikiri Ring Road in Okrika, which he described as vital “economic arteries” connecting communities and boosting livelihoods.
Calling for closer collaboration, Vice Admiral Ibas urged stronger partnerships between the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, the NDDC, the newly formed South-South Commission, and the Rivers State Government. “We must remove bottlenecks, identify real needs, and ensure impact is felt where it matters most,” he said.
In response, Minister Momoh explained that his visit formed part of a nationwide tour to assess ongoing and abandoned NDDC projects, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to ensure their completion. He praised Vice Admiral Ibas for fostering peace and stability in the state, which he said had attracted investments and revitalised economic activity.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both state and federal stakeholders to drive sustainable growth in the Niger Delta through a balanced blend of infrastructure, innovation, and economic empowerment.
