Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has confirmed that the long-overdue Oko–Patani Road has been officially captured in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) budget.
The senator made this known on his Facebook page after the 25th anniversary celebration of the NDDC in Port Harcourt. The celebration brought together prominent leaders and stakeholders from across the country.
He congratulated the commission, the board led by Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and the entire leadership team for reaching a significant milestone and commended the ongoing reforms and renewed energy within the organization.
In his remarks, Senator Nwoko expressed optimism about the future of infrastructure development in the Niger Delta, describing the inclusion of the Oko–Patani Road in the budget as a promising step.
“The proposed Coastal Road linking Asaba to Patani, now captured in the NDDC budget, is a bold, necessary, and entirely doable project,” Senator Nwoko said. “The Oko–Patani segment, in particular, is of strategic importance to communities in Delta North, and its inclusion signals a real commitment to addressing years of infrastructural neglect.”
For years, residents of the Oko in Oshimili South axis have faced serious challenges due to poor road conditions, particularly during the rainy season when some areas become impassable.
The senator noted that the road, once completed, will unlock economic potentials, improve access to essential services, and enhance regional integration.
Senator Nwoko also used the occasion to call for sustained political will and inter-agency collaboration to ensure that captured projects are not only funded but also executed to completion.
“The journey to a more developed Niger Delta continues,” he added. “We must all remain committed to turning budget lines into visible, life-changing infrastructure on the ground.”
The NDDC was established in 2000 with the mandate to facilitate the sustainable development of the oil-rich Niger Delta. The commission’s recent reforms and its renewed emphasis on legacy projects have drawn cautious optimism from both lawmakers and local communities.
