a statement signed by the Chairman of the Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC), Mr. Emmanuel Onuwaje, and Secretary, Mr. Eyengho Besidone, the community commended NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for his leadership style but urged him to prioritize long-overdue projects in Ugborodo.
The leaders stressed that despite being home to critical oil and gas facilities — including crude oil terminals, the Escravos Gas-to-Liquid project, the Otumara and Saghara fields, as well as the Ogidigben Flow Station — the community has benefited little from NDDC’s interventions.
“Ugborodo has been one of the highest contributors to Nigeria’s GDP, yet we have little or nothing to show in terms of development,” the statement read. “Except for a few projects executed during the tenure of former NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli, successive leaderships have abandoned our community.”
The UCMC further argued that as the Federal Government pushes to boost crude oil production to meet OPEC quotas, it must also address the needs of host communities. They maintained that visible development projects would not only compensate for years of neglect but also help curb oil theft and illegal bunkering by providing opportunities for youths.
The community therefore urged NDDC to commence key projects, including the Ugborodo Shore Protection initiative, a landing jetty, internal road networks, and low-cost housing schemes.
While pledging their support for Ogbuku’s administration, the leaders urged him to “write his name in gold by ensuring that the NDDC is remembered not for failed promises, but for ushering in infrastructural prosperity, youth empowerment, and genuine economic inclusion.”
