The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited to accelerate plans for the construction of the strategic Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road and Bridges project.
The ambitious infrastructure project, estimated to cover about 70 kilometres with 29 bridges, is expected to open up several riverine communities in the state while stimulating economic activities across the Niger Delta region.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gave the assurance when he received the Managing Director of the NDDC, Sam Ogbuku, alongside a delegation from Chevron at Government House in Asaba.
Oborevwori described the proposed road network as a critical project that would transform access to coastal communities and boost development in the riverine areas of the state.
“This is a very important project for our riverine communities. We are ready to collaborate with the NDDC and other partners to make it a reality because Delta State remains committed to projects that have direct impact on the lives of our people,” the governor said.
He, however, emphasized that the success of the project would depend largely on the capacity of the contractor engaged for the job, stressing that the state government would only support its execution if a competent and reputable construction company was selected.
The governor disclosed that a joint technical team would be constituted to work with representatives of the NDDC and Chevron in reviewing the existing project design, assessing the current cost and determining the responsibilities of each participating stakeholder.
According to him, the technical review would also address issues relating to right-of-way, possible realignment of certain sections of the road and other engineering considerations necessary for the smooth implementation of the project.
Oborevwori noted that Delta State had consistently demonstrated readiness to support major infrastructure initiatives, including federal projects, adding that his administration was currently executing several strategic road and flyover projects across federal road corridors within the state.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Ogbuku, said the purpose of the visit was to brief the governor on ongoing efforts to revive the long-delayed project through a collaborative framework involving key stakeholders.
He explained that the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road was originally awarded many years ago but remained incomplete, prompting renewed discussions aimed at ensuring its completion.
Ogbuku noted that the initiative also aligns with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that all abandoned projects across the Niger Delta region should be revived and completed.
“This project is extremely significant to the region. With a stretch of about 70 kilometres and 29 bridges, it will greatly enhance connectivity and unlock enormous socio-economic opportunities for communities in the area,” he said.
He added that Chevron had already secured the necessary approvals from its joint venture partners to participate in the project and that several consultations had been held to move the initiative forward.
According to him, the next phase would involve detailed technical engagements among the Delta State Government, the NDDC and Chevron to validate the project design, review cost implications and undertake environmental and geotechnical assessments.
Ogbuku further disclosed that consultations would also be carried out with host communities to address right-of-way matters and other concerns that could affect the smooth execution of the project.
Speaking for Chevron Nigeria Limited, Dr. Segun Kuteyi reaffirmed the company’s willingness to collaborate with the NDDC and the Delta State Government to deliver the project.
Kuteyi stated that Chevron, which has operated in Nigeria for more than six decades, remained committed to supporting infrastructure development in its host communities.
“The road will significantly improve connectivity between Warri and Escravos while creating opportunities for economic growth across the surrounding communities,” he said.
He pointed out that key institutions such as the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko, as well as various small and medium-scale enterprises emerging in the region, would benefit immensely from the project.
Kuteyi emphasized that strong collaboration among all stakeholders would be essential to the successful delivery of the project, noting that its scale and the challenging terrain of the riverine environment meant that construction would take several years.
At the end of the meeting, the stakeholders agreed to establish a joint technical committee that would determine the final cost of the project, review the design to reflect present realities and define the contributions expected from each participating party before the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to commence the project.
