The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has assured residents of Ibifaka Polo community in Borikiri, Port Harcourt, of the imminent payment of compensation to those whose properties fall within the right-of-way for the Borikiri–Okrika Bridge project.
The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, gave the assurance during an inspection of the Borikiri alignment of the road and bridge project.
According to a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs, on January 7, 2026, Alabo Iyaye noted that the Borikiri–Okrika Road and bridges had suffered delays due to changes in administration and funding challenges.
He stated: “Although this project was awarded in 2012, it has faced delays for various reasons. Upon the inauguration of the current NDDC Board, we prioritised completing this significant project, viewing it as a legacy project.
“By the grace of God and the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our administration was inaugurated, and this is one of the legacy projects we identified to be completed. Last year, we engaged the contractors who moved to the site almost immediately.”
The Borikiri–Okrika Bridge, designed to link Port Harcourt and Okrika Local Government Areas of Rivers State, consists of three bridges: the 180-metre Kolabi Bridge at the Etche Waterfront, the 1,120-metre Abotoru Bridge at mid-point, and the 490-metre Okpoka Bridge.
Iyaye further revealed that while the Okrika alignment of the project had made substantial progress, the Borikiri end lagged behind.
“The Borikiri alignment has not made substantial progress. That is why we are here. We have interfaced with the consultant and the contractors, who have identified the paramount issue of compensation. This issue will be addressed and treated with immediate effect. Inspections have been done. Be rest assured that work will start from this end once all modalities are in place,” he said.
Earlier, during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Amayanabo of Ancient Borikiri Kingdom, King Berechiri Wilfred Yemaiyaye, the monarch thanked the Board and Management of the NDDC for the renewed attention to the project, saying: “We thank the NDDC for remembering us, and we hope that more development efforts will accompany this.”
The Project Consultant, Engr. Azu Chukwuma, noted that the project had received strong community support and acceptance, stating that it would bring the development the communities require.
Also speaking, the Youth President of Ibifaka Polo, Mr Precious Tobin George, appreciated the NDDC for what he described as a long-awaited intervention. “We are certain that once this project is completed, it will attract socio-economic development to our community,” he said.
