No NDDC Project In Cross River Shall Be Left Uncompleted – Duke

By Missang Akpet

The Commissioner representing Cross River State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon Orok Duke, has stated his resolve to ensure that all NDDC projects in the state are completed.

Duke, who made the commitment during an inspection visit to an abandoned skill acquisition site in Akpabuyo on Friday, expressed concern about the number of unfinished and abandoned projects in the state saying that uncompleted and abandoned projects are a disservice to the state and its people.

The commissioner disclosed that when he came on board as the state representative, he discovered that Cross River State was lagging behind other NDDC states in terms of project delivery, interventions, and distribution of incentives.

According to him, "During the 2024 democracy day celebration, NDDC commissioned 92 projects across the region, with Cross River State not having a single project out of the 92."

"What we have in our state are abandoned projects littered everywhere after payments have been made. This is a disservice to us as a state and to our people.

"As the state NDDC commissioner, I will follow up and ensure all projects being undertaken by the commission in the state are fully completed," he said.

While expressing concerns about the number of unfinished and abandoned projects in the state, the state rep enjoined Cross Riverians to get involved in the process of project execution in the state by bidding for jobs whenever the commission calls for bids and ensuring project delivery.

"Over a period of 22 years, people have carted away 25 trillion without completing the projects awarded by the commission, and a good number of those projects are domiciled in Cross River.

"I encourage you to own your projects by bidding for the state projects whenever the commission calls for bids. This is because if you handle your own projects, you will be forced to see it completed as it is your own job," he added.