The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has advised the youths of Ndoki and their counterparts in other parts of Abia State to shun oil bunkering, stating that the menace has devastating negative effects on Nigeria’s economy.
The Commissioner representing Abia State in NDDC, Eruba Dimgba, made this observation when he received Ndoki youths at Okeikpe, Ukwa West LGA of Abia, on Tuesday.
He decried oil bunkering activities in the region and urged the youths to partner with NDDC to secure their environment in order to improve Abia State’s oil producing capacity as well as the state’s quota in the NDDC.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to youth empowerment, the provision of critical infrastructure, and human capital development, among other initiatives.
Eruba added that the intervention agency exists to serve youths and women, and facilitate sustainable development in the region.
He also revealed that the long-abandoned 18.6km Owaza road is presently undergoing immediate construction by NDDC, while the Ukwa-East roads and solar lighting projects have been included in the 2024 national budget.
Eruba further emphasized that investors would only come in once the environment is secured, noting that the NDDC is collaborating with Geometric Power to ensure steady electricity supply to improve the economic fortunes of the Ukwa-East region.
Earlier in his remarks, a youth leader, Ugwumba Adiele, and Chairman of the National Youths Council of Nigeria, Ukwa East chapter, Emmanuel Akparanta, congratulated Eruba for his reappointment as a commissioner in NDDC.
They also applauded him for facilitating the reconstruction of the failed portions of the Obehie-Azumini road.
They promised to partner with NDDC in curbing oil bunkering in their area, noting that it hampers development in their region.
They also appealed for scholarship opportunities, business support, and employment opportunities from NDDC, stating that these initiatives would help address youth restiveness.
Oil bunkering, a devastation to Nigeria’s economy – NDDC Commissioner
