NDDC unveils Naval strategic location to tackle piracy, oil theft in Bayelsa
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated a Naval Strategic Location in Ayakoro community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, to bolster security on the waterways and curb piracy, kidnapping, and oil theft across the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Friday, the Managing Director of NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, said the facility would strengthen the Navy’s ongoing efforts to safeguard national assets and sustain the gains made in tackling oil-related crimes.
Ogbuku noted that the newly established location sits at a key intersection linking several creeks within the Niger Delta and was designed to serve as a deterrent to maritime criminals.
The complex, he said, is be equipped with a fully furnished naval administrative block, accommodation facilities, two gunboats, operational vehicles, and an operational floating jetty, among other assets.
He emphasised that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises peace, security, and economic stability.
“One of the foremost responsibilities of any government is to ensure both security and development two inseparable pillars of national progress,” Ogbuku stated.
“This project represents part of the administration’s commitment to strengthening security in the Niger Delta.
”The President’s investment in this area has already yielded results, with crude oil production rising from one million to 2.2 million barrels per day, ” he added.
Ogbuku said the improvement in production levels was a direct reflection of enhanced security, stakeholder cooperation, and the collective resolve to tackle illegal oil activities.
The NDDC boss stressed that securing the waterways remained essential to achieving lasting peace in the region.
“Every waterway is a gateway for criminals to perpetrate crime. We cannot curb criminality until we secure all our waterways.
“Before this intervention, kidnappers and illegal refiners used these creeks as escape routes.
”With this facility in place, those engaged in such acts will be deterred, as the naval presence now protects this entire river stretch, ” he said.
He added that the Ayakoro Naval Location would not only serve Bayelsa State but also enhance maritime security coordination across neighbouring states.
Ogbuku commended the Ayakoro community for donating several hectares of land for the establishment of the Naval facility and a future Navy School, describing the gesture as a demonstration of partnership for regional peace.
He also acknowledged the Bayelsa State Government for its cooperation and support toward ensuring the success of the project.
“These are part of the legacies we want to leave behind
“We have several other projects ready for commissioning as part of our second anniversary celebrations as the Seventh Governing Board of the NDDC, ” he said.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the community and the council of chiefs, Chief Clever Apkoti praised the NDDC leadership for its vision and responsiveness to the region’s developmental and security needs.
“We are profoundly grateful to God Almighty and to Chief Ogbuku for this landmark project in our community.
“This facility is a testament to purposeful leadership and commitment to the well-being of Niger Delta people, ” he said.
