By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commissioned a modern naval facility in Ayakoro Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, to strengthen maritime security and safeguard Niger Delta communities from criminal activities.
The state-of-the-art facility, unveiled during a ceremony in Ayakoro, features a fully furnished administrative block, accommodation block, two gunboats, and an operational floating jetty. It is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Navy in tackling security threats such as kidnapping, piracy, and illegal oil activities.
Speaking at the commissioning, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the project underscores the Commission’s commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the area of security and regional stability.
Ogbuku noted that President Tinubu’s strategic investments in national security have already yielded tangible results, citing the increase in crude oil production from one million barrels per day to 2.2 million barrels per day.
“This site was chosen by the Nigerian Navy because of its strategic location,” Ogbuku explained. “Previously, kidnappers and operators of illegal refineries used this route to transport stolen products through Onuembu. With this facility in place, such activities are effectively blocked, ensuring safety for Yenagoa and nearby communities.”
He added that the NDDC’s security-focused projects are aimed at restoring peace in the Niger Delta and promoting economic growth by making the region safer for investment and development.
Representing Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, retired Brigadier-General Eric Angaye commended the NDDC for its continued infrastructural development across the state. He urged Niger Delta residents to support security agencies in protecting public assets and ensuring lasting peace.
“Security is a collective responsibility,” Angaye said. “This project will be effective only when communities cooperate with the Navy and other security agencies to maintain order and protect these vital installations.”
Also speaking, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, represented by Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, lauded the NDDC for the project. He stated that the new base would significantly improve naval operations and enable better surveillance of the region’s waterways.
“This facility strengthens our capacity to respond swiftly to security threats and maintain a robust presence along critical maritime routes,” Ogalla said.
Community leaders also expressed gratitude for the initiative. Chief Clever Apkoti, who spoke on behalf of the Ayakoro Community and its council of chiefs, described the project as a “transformative milestone” for the area.
“This project is not just about infrastructure; it brings renewed hope and economic prospects for our people,” Apkoti remarked.
The NDDC’s latest intervention highlights its broader mission to foster peace, security, and sustainable development across the Niger Delta, ensuring that communities benefit from both safety and progress.
