Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on Monday received members of the joint National Assembly Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDDC) at the State Executive Council Chamber, Calabar, as the lawmakers embarked on oversight of ongoing projects across the state.

The delegation, comprising members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, was in the state to evaluate the performance, transparency, and impact of development interventions executed under the NDDC framework.

Welcoming the delegation, Governor Otu expressed appreciation for their visit and commitment to accountability, describing their oversight function as pivotal to national development.

“Let me begin by warmly welcoming this distinguished delegation and expressing my sincere appreciation for your presence here today,” he said. “Your efforts, oversight, and commitment do not go unnoticed.”

The governor noted that the visit would further strengthen collaboration between federal institutions and subnational governments, adding that such engagements deepen governance outcomes.

“What you are doing gives us encouragement and strengthens our own resolve to do better. Committees such as yours serve as critical instruments of accountability and progress,” he stated.

Governor Otu also acknowledged the impact of federal interventions in the state, emphasising the importance of sustaining them.

“Your interventions, particularly those driven by the Federal Government, have been both timely and impactful. We must ensure they are sustained, properly implemented, and ultimately beneficial to our people,” he said.

Reflecting on governance and service, the governor underscored the need for collective responsibility. “Governance is not about working in isolation; it is about collective effort, mutual accountability, and delivering tangible outcomes that improve lives,” he remarked, urging continued synergy among stakeholders.

He further called for result-oriented engagement, stressing that policies must translate into real benefits for citizens. “Let us remain focused on results, ensuring that policies translate into real change on the ground. Our people expect no less, and we must not let them down,” Otu added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, said the visit was part of the committee’s constitutional mandate to assess projects and ensure value for public resources.

“I bring you warm greetings on behalf of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said. “Our objective is to ensure that interventions are not only properly implemented but are also effective, sustainable, and beneficial to the people.”

Ekpenyong commended Governor Otu for what he described as visible progress in infrastructure and economic development. “Your leadership has demonstrated a clear sense of purpose in advancing economic development, rallying stakeholders, and sustaining engagement with resilience and conviction,” he noted.

He added that the committee was encouraged by ongoing developments in the state and pledged continued support. “We are confident that even greater outcomes can be achieved.

“We will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to accelerate delivery, resolve constraints, and ensure that the people derive maximum benefit,” he said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, highlighted progress made on key infrastructure projects across Cross River State.

According to him, “The Commission has undertaken a 27-kilometre stretch of roads across the state, with 10.7 kilometres already completed.

“We are happy with Your Excellency’s support and collaboration,” noting that the partnership with the state government has been instrumental in project delivery.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to strengthen oversight of development projects in the Niger Delta region, ensuring that interventions deliver measurable impact and contribute to sustainable growth.