..appeals to company to fund critical road projects
Bonny Local Government in Rivers State has offered to forgo its 2027 tenement revenue from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited if the company accedes to fund some strategic road projects in the area.
The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, disclosed when the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Engr. Adeleye Falade, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Bonny.
Pepple said his administration has prioritised the construction of the Semidia Road linking Water Well 5 and the Akiama Road, alongside an extensive drainage and canal system designed to address persistent flooding in the area.
According to him, the projects are estimated to cost well over ₦1 billion, and the Council was willing to forgo the 2027 statutory tenement rate/revenue from NLNG so that the company can finance their execution.
He appealed to the company to partner with the local government by directly funding the projects as part of its continued commitment to the development of Bonny Kingdom.
The Chairman said that the preferred contractor for the projects was waiting to mobilise to site once funding was secured.
“We are prepared to forgo our 2027 statutory tenement rate/revenue from NLNG to make these critical road projects a reality. Evomec has estimated that the Semidia Road, Akiama Road, and the accompanying drainage infrastructure will cost over N1 billion. I appeal to NLNG to support us by paying the 2027 tenement rate/revenue directly to the Evomec so these projects can commence without delay,” he stated.
Hon. Pepple thanked NLNG for providing support for the establishment of the Bonny Fire Station, which it started supporting with funds since 2018.
He however appealed for more support in the provision of fire hydrants, firefighting equipment, safety kits, and other operational tools to strengthen emergency response services within the Local Government.
Responding, the Managing Director of NLNG, commended the Council Chairman for the developmental initiatives and accomplishments of his administration in the brief period he had been in office.
“I am impressed by the initiatives and programs of this administration. We will explore ways through which NLNG can support your efforts,” he said.
“In my over 30 years of professional experience, I have not seen a place quite like Bonny. The people are welcoming, peaceful, and cooperative. Bonny is truly special, and we regard it as home. As NLNG continues to thrive here, by God’s grace Bonny Kingdom will also continue to prosper and the impact of our presence will be felt by the people.”
Falade assured the Council that the company would give the proposals due consideration. “We have heard your requests regarding the road projects and the Fire Station. We will carefully review them and explore how NLNG can support the Local Government. This is our way of demonstrating that we want to be part of the remarkable work your administration is doing for the people of Bonny.”
