Senator Godswill Akpabio, Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
By Abasifreke Effiong
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has said that N45 billion is needed to complete the remaining portion of East- West road.
Akpabio who disclosed this on Thursday, during the weekly ministerial briefing organised by the presidential communication team at the presidential villa, said he has suggested a funding approach for the road.
Last month, youths blocked a section of the road in River State for a week, demanding the completion of the road which started more than a decade ago.
The federal government had promised to complete the road by 2023.
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Akpabio said, “we have written to President Muhammadu Buhari, to include the project in Sukuk Fund so that it can be ready for commissioning during the lifespan of the present administration. About N45 billion is needed to complete the road project”.
The Minister also disclosed that International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the region are owing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) more than $4 billion.
“All the international oil companies are owing and efforts are ongoing to recoup the money”.
Senator Akpabio said debts owed NDDC by IOCs have affected the commission’s ability to complete meet community demands.
The Minister hinted that the NDDC is owing contractors about N3 trillion.
