Oginibo Community Commends NDDC for Record-Breaking Approval of N298 Million Solar Streetlight Infrastructure Project

Oginibo residents praise the NDDC for the rapid N298m approval of 985 solar streetlights to boost security and trade in Ughelli South, Delta State.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 11:53 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Independent Newspapers

Rapid Administrative Response to Community Development Needs

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has set a new benchmark for administrative efficiency by approving a major infrastructure project for the Oginibo Community in record time. Residents of the Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State expressed their gratitude on Monday following the Commission's decision to greenlight a comprehensive solar-powered streetlight initiative. The formal petition for the project was submitted on February 9, 2026, and the contract was awarded in under 30 days. This accelerated timeline has been characterized by local leaders as a significant departure from previous bureaucratic delays, signaling a more outcome-focused approach under the current leadership.

Technical Scope and Fiscal Allocation for Solar Infrastructure

The approved project involves the urgent installation of 985 solar-powered streetlights throughout the Oginibo axis and its immediate surroundings. With a total budget of N298 million, inclusive of Value Added Tax, the initiative represents a substantial investment in renewable energy infrastructure for the region. By opting for solar technology, the NDDC is ensuring a sustainable and low-maintenance lighting solution that remains independent of the national power grid’s frequent fluctuations. This technical choice is expected to provide consistent illumination, effectively ending years of total darkness that have historically plagued the community’s transit routes.

Impact on Rural Security and Nighttime Mobility

Security remains the primary driver behind the community’s urgent request for lighting. In a joint statement, President-General Mr. Israel Orioborue Opheghe and Secretary-General Mr. Tisha Ejekanshe Matthew emphasized that persistent darkness had made the area highly vulnerable to criminal activity. The lack of visibility previously restricted the movement of women, children, and the elderly after sunset, creating a climate of fear. The strategic placement of 985 units is intended to provide a continuous "ring of light" that deters illicit behavior and allows residents to navigate their neighborhoods with increased safety and confidence.