Momoh, Otu identify poor access roads as impediment to N’Delta devt    

Minister begins consultation with governors, monarchs over state of East-West road
Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, and Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, have identified lack of access roads as a major setback to the growth and development of the oil rich region.

The duo made this observation when the minister paid a courtesy call to the governor in his Office at the Government House, Calabar, the state capital.

Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, decried the bad state of roads in the Niger Delta, lamenting that the situation is making life unbearable for citizens, especially farmers in the hinterland.

He said: “We, in the Niger Delta, don’t enjoy dividends of oil extraction from this region, Otu lamented.

Speaking earlier, the minister lamented that lack of access roads was militating against development of the region, calling on governors of the region to collaborate with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to move the region forward.

MEANWHILE, following lamentations by commuters plying the popular East-West road, Momoh has begun consultation with governors to ensure that the road, which connects almost all the states of the South South, receives the best of attention under his leadership.

The minister began the consultation on Friday with a courtesy call to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Baasey Eno, at his office in Uyo, in continuation of his tour of states under the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

At the meeting, Momoh called for the understanding of the governors in the region to enable him to succeed, particularly if the contract of the East West Road is brought under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development from the Federal Ministry of Works.

The minister reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government towards rapid development of the region, insisting that the President Bola Tinubu administration will not relent in its efforts to revamp infrastructure, human capacity and promotion of economic growth of the region.

Also, he paid a courtesy call to his Royal Majesty, Ediden Sylvanus Effiong Okon, in his palace, informing the monarch that he was in his palace to consult with stakeholders and to assure the commitment of the current administration to better the lives of Nigerians and the country at large.