The member representing Abia State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Eruba Dimgba, has reacted to the ultimatum given by the Asa Liberation Movement (ALM) over the abandonment of projects by the Commission.
It should be recalled that the ALM in a letter published online on September 8, 2026, addressed to the NDDC Commissioner, gave a 21 day ultimatum to the NDDC Abia State leadership, to return to the site of all allegedly abandoned road projects in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
The NDDC Commissioner’s response is reproduced below.
*OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO THE CONCERNS RAISED BY THE ASA LIBERATION MOVEMENT ON THE UZOAKU–OKOHIA–OWAZA ROAD PROJECT*
The attention of the Abia Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC),Chief Eruba Dimgba,PhD, has been drawn to the recent letter issued by the Asa Liberation Movement concerning the mobilization of contractors to site for the Uzoaku–Okohia–Owaza Road and other projects within Asa.
The Honourable Representative acknowledges and appreciates the concerns expressed by the group,particularly their desire to see accelerated development and the completion of critical infrastructure within Asa and Abia State.It is important to state that any individual or group that genuinely advocates for development and the execution of projects that will benefit our people should be commended for such interest.
The Uzoaku–Okohia–Owaza Road Project was awarded in good faith and with the clear objective of contribution to the development of Asa and Abia State in general.The project remains a significant and necessary intervention,particularly given the deplorable condition of the road and the hardship it imposes on residents,businesses and other road users.
However,the delay in the commencement of the project has largely been associated with funding and project-financing considerations. It is also important to clarify that the NDDC does not ordinarily mobilize contractors to commence projects without the necessary financial provisions and due administrative processes being in place.
As the Abia Representative on the Board,Chief Eruba Dimgba,PhD, is fully aware of the situation and has been actively engaging on the matter. Efforts have also been made to encourage relevant stakeholders and representatives from Asa to form a delegation that can engage directly with the Managing Director and Management of the NDDC on the matter.The objective is to ensure that the concerns of our people receive the appropriate attention at the highest level of the Commission.
It should also be noted that the Uzoaku–Okohia–Owaza Road is currently the major road project of this nature within the area that has experienced such prolonged delay.Other NDDC projects in the area are at various stages of execution,with some already under construction and others recently flagged off.These projects are expected to be monitored and visited as part of ongoing efforts to ensure their proper execution.
Chief Dimgba therefore reiterates that the construction and completion of the Uzoaku–Okohia–Owaza Road is in the collective interest of our people.It is not a project for any individual or political group,it is a development project intended to improve connectivity,stimulate economic activities and enhance the general welfare of the people of Asa and Abia State.
While appreciating the Asa Liberation Movement for drawing attention to the matter,the Honourable Representative advises that,going forward,such official communications should preferably be addressed directly to the Managing Director and Management of the NDDC,with a copy forwarded to him as the Abia State Representative on the NDDC Board.
This approach,he believes,will promote proper coordination,strengthen communication between stakeholders and ensure that the people of Asa and their representative remain on the same page in pursuing projects that will benefit the community.
Chief Dimgba also wishes to state that the issuance of an ultimatum in a matter of this nature is unnecessary and does not represent the most effective approach to achieving the desired outcome. Rather,stakeholders are encouraged to seek proper guidance and engage the appropriate authorities through constructive dialogue and established channels.
Nevertheless,in the spirit of representation and commitment to the development of Asa and Abia State,Chief Eruba Dimgba,will continue to engage and communicate the concerns raised by the Asa Liberation Movement to the NDDC Management and will continue to pursue every legitimate avenue towards the commencement and completion of the Uzoaku–Okohia–Owaza Road Project.
The ultimate objective remains the same for all genuine stakeholders:the development of our land,the improvement of the lives of our people,and the delivery of meaningful infrastructure to Asa and Abia State.
Issued by:
CHIEF ERUBA DIMGBA MEDIA TEAM
For: Chief Eruba Dimgba,PhD
Abia Representative on the Board of NDDC
