By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has sought stronger partnership with the National Assembly in order to bolster the state economy.
The governor has commended the National Assembly for intensifying oversight on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) projects,
He has described the move as critical to delivering tangible benefits to the people.
Otu spoke in Calabar while receiving a joint delegation of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on NDDC, which was in the state to inspect ongoing projects.
One of the projects they inspected included the reconstruction of the Odukpani Junction–Okom Ita–Uyanga–Ehom road.
The governor said the visit underscored a shared commitment to ensuring that development interventions across the Niger Delta translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens.
“I welcome this joint oversight visit as a demonstration of your commitment to ensuring that development interventions in the Niger Delta are not only executed but are impactful to the people,” Otu said.
He stressed that Cross River remains open to deeper collaboration with the National Assembly and the NDDC to accelerate infrastructure delivery and boost livelihoods, particularly in rural communities.
According to him, strategic partnerships among the state government, federal lawmakers and intervention agencies are key to unlocking the full economic potential of the state.
Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, said the oversight visit was part of the National Assembly’s constitutional mandate to ensure accountability and value for money in all NDDC projects.
Ekpenyong noted that the inspection reflected the resolve of President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to ensure that every intervention by the commission delivers real value to host communities.
He described the ongoing road reconstruction in Akamkpa axis as vital to national economic growth, agricultural expansion and improved connectivity.
The lawmaker explained that Akamkpa Local Government Area plays a strategic role as a major supplier of construction aggregates in the South-South region, stressing the need for durable road infrastructure to support economic activities.
He assured that the National Assembly would sustain rigorous oversight to guarantee transparency, efficiency and timely completion of projects across the Niger Delta.
On her part, Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, emphasised the importance of accountability, noting that resources allocated to the region must directly benefit the people.
She expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded on the inspected projects and pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure quality delivery.
The lawmakers also commended Otu’s administration for its strides in infrastructure development, economic revitalisation and social investment across Cross River
State.
