NASS committee commends Otu, inspects NDDC projects in Cross River

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on Monday hosted members of the Joint National Assembly Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at the State Executive Council Chamber in Calabar as federal lawmakers intensified oversight on ongoing development projects in the state.

The high-powered delegation, drawn from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, arrived in Cross River to assess the performance, transparency, and real impact of projects executed under the NDDC intervention framework.

Receiving the team, Governor Otu applauded the lawmakers’ commitment to accountability, describing their oversight as a cornerstone for national growth and effective governance.

“Let me warmly welcome this distinguished delegation and commend your dedication. Your oversight efforts are critical and deeply appreciated,” the governor stated.

He emphasized that such engagements strengthen collaboration between federal and state authorities, noting that they serve as catalysts for improved governance outcomes.

“What you are doing encourages us and reinforces our resolve to deliver more. Committees like yours remain vital instruments for accountability and progress,” Otu added.

READ ALSO: FCTA refutes ordering principals to contribute N20,000 for release of kidnapped UBEB boss

The governor further acknowledged the significance of federal interventions in Cross River, stressing the need for continuity and proper execution to ensure maximum benefit for citizens.

“These interventions have been timely and impactful. We must sustain them and ensure they translate into tangible benefits for our people,” he said, while calling for stronger synergy among all stakeholders.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, said the visit aligns with the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to ensure prudent use of public resources.

“We are here to ensure that interventions are not only executed but are impactful, sustainable, and beneficial to the people,” he said, linking the exercise to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ekpenyong commended Governor Otu’s leadership, citing visible strides in infrastructure and economic development across the state.

“Your administration has shown clear purpose in driving development, mobilizing stakeholders, and sustaining engagement with resilience,” he noted.

He assured that the committee would continue to work with relevant authorities to fast-track project delivery, tackle challenges, and maximize outcomes for the region.

Also lending insight, NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed that the commission has embarked on a 27-kilometre road project across Cross River, with 10.7 kilometres already completed.

“We appreciate the strong collaboration with the state government, which has been instrumental in achieving this level of progress,” Ogbuku said.

The oversight visit underscores renewed efforts by the National Assembly to tighten supervision of development initiatives in the Niger Delta, with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and sustainable impact.