By Staff Reporter
The Ndoshimili Development Union (NDU), the apex socio-cultural body of Ndokwa East Local Government Area (NELGA) of Delta State, has called on the Federal and Delta State Governments to urgently address the worsening infrastructure, environmental and socio-economic challenges confronting the area.
The call was contained in resolutions adopted at the union’s maiden Virtual Consultative Townhall Meeting held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, under the theme, “Working Together for Progress in NELGA.”
The meeting, presided over by the NDU President-General, Engr. Ike Onyenokwe, D.Eng., FNSE, FIMC, CMC, FMIMPS, brought together about 60 stakeholders, including traditional and community leaders, political office holders, professionals, captains of industry, youth and women leaders, as well as NELGA citizens in Nigeria and the diaspora.
The Townhall reviewed the progress of the NDU since its inauguration in December 2025, examined critical development challenges in the local government and sought strategic inputs from stakeholders ahead of the union’s December 2026 elections.
In its resolutions, the NDU expressed concern over what it described as a “resource paradox” in NELGA, noting that the area hosts significant oil and gas assets and contributes substantially to Niger Delta crude oil production, while many host communities continue to grapple with poor electricity supply, deplorable roads, inadequate healthcare and weak educational infrastructure.
The union specifically noted that the Okpai Independent Power Plant generates more than 480 megawatts for the national grid, yet several communities within NELGA remain without reliable electricity.
Coastal road, erosion top infrastructure concerns
A major concern raised at the Townhall was the prolonged failure to construct the Asaba–Aboh–Onyah–Patani Coastal Trunk Road, which the NDU said was originally conceived and approved in 1978.
While commending the Delta State Government for the ongoing 10.8-kilometre Aboh–Akarai road project, the union said the scale of NELGA’s infrastructure deficit required much more urgent and comprehensive intervention.
The NDU also drew attention to the devastating impact of shoreline erosion, particularly in Abala-Oshimili and Onyah, warning that the affected communities face the threat of eventual extinction if emergency shoreline protection measures are not implemented.
It therefore called for immediate intervention by relevant federal and state agencies to protect the communities and other vulnerable riverine settlements.
Other roads identified for urgent attention include the Igbuku–Ibrede–Awah–Iyede–Ame–Umuolu Road; Obetim–Isselegu–Obikwele Road; Akwukwu-Igbo–Abala-Oshimili–Abala-Obodo Road; Ibrede–Azagba–Ibedeni–Ase Road; Isselegu–Inyi/Onuaboh–Abala Road, as well as internal roads in Aboh, Ashaka, Igbuku, Ibrede and Ossissa.
The union further urged the authorities to prioritise the completion of the Aboh–Akarai Bridge and the Asaba–Ase Bridge, together with their connecting roads, in the 2027 fiscal budget.
It also called for the extension of electricity supply to NELGA in 2027, describing the step-down of power to the oil-producing local government as a priority.
NDU seeks stronger political representation
The Townhall also expressed concern over what it described as NELGA’s declining political and institutional representation.
The union noted that the local government currently lacks representation on the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and called for equitable representation in federal and state executive and board appointments.
It also demanded the full, transparent and effective implementation of the three per cent Host Community Development Trust Fund provided under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for deserving host communities.
According to the NDU, improved political representation and access to development funds are necessary to enable NELGA to secure a fair share of the resources generated from its territory.
Education, healthcare and environment
The union further called for urgent government intervention in education and healthcare across NELGA.
It demanded the upgrading and staffing of primary healthcare centres, provision of essential medical equipment, rehabilitation of public schools, recruitment of qualified teachers and the provision of state-backed tertiary scholarships.
On environmental degradation, the NDU raised concerns over alleged pollution and harmful operational practices associated with oil and gas activities, saying the resulting damage to the aquatic environment was negatively affecting farming, fishing and the general wellbeing of residents.
Stakeholders pledge collaboration
The Townhall received contributions from political and community leaders, including Elder Pharm. Paul Enebeli, Hon. Prince Emeka Osamuta and the Executive Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Hon. Vincent Osilonya.
Hon. Osamuta presented his scorecard, responded to questions from participants and reaffirmed his willingness to work with the NDU leadership.
Elder Enebeli, in his contribution, called for greater visibility, sustainable funding and unity of purpose in the collective effort to advance the development of NELGA.
At the end of the deliberations, participants resolved to work closely with government and other stakeholders to reverse what the union described as the long-term neglect of the local government.
The NDU said its objective was not confrontation but purposeful partnership with government and relevant institutions to secure meaningful development for the people.
Reaffirming the Ndoshimili principle of “Ifeoma zu’osa” — prosperity and good life must extend to all, the union said the people of NELGA had remained peaceful, law-abiding and committed to protecting national assets and therefore deserved commensurate investment in infrastructure, human development, environmental protection, representation and economic opportunities.
In a joint appeal, the NDU leadership urged sons and daughters of Ndoshimili, traditional rulers, political leaders, community organisations, institutions and development partners to unite in the effort to rebuild the local government.
“No external force will build our homeland if we do not take the lead in building it ourselves,” the union stated.
The statement was signed by the NDU President-General, Engr. Ike Onyenokwe, D.Eng., FNSE, CMC, FIMC, FMIMPS, and the Secretary-General, Dr. Oke Michael Aziakpono.
