ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited have begun moves to strengthen collaboration for the construction of the proposed Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road and Bridges project, a major infrastructure initiative expected to transform connectivity across riverine communities in the state.
The ambitious project, which spans about 70 kilometres and includes 29 bridges, is designed to open up remote communities, improve transportation and stimulate economic activities across the Niger Delta region.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gave the assurance of the state government’s readiness to partner with the NDDC and Chevron during a meeting with the leadership of the commission and a delegation from the oil company at Government House, Asaba, on Thursday.
The governor commended the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, for the progress recorded under his leadership and assured that Delta State would play its part to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
Oborevwori described the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road as a critical infrastructure project that would significantly enhance development in riverine communities and boost economic activities in the area.
“We are ready to partner with NDDC on this project because it is very key to those living in the riverine areas. Delta State believes in executing projects that people will see and appreciate,” the governor said.
He, however, emphasised that the state government would only support the project if it was awarded to a reputable construction company with the capacity to deliver it to completion without abandoning the work.
According to him, the state government would constitute a technical team to work with the NDDC and Chevron in reviewing the project design, determining the current cost and outlining the financial contributions expected from each stakeholder.
The governor explained that the technical team would also address issues relating to right-of-way, possible realignment of sections of the road and other technical considerations necessary for the smooth execution of the project.
Oborevwori noted that Delta State had consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting major infrastructure projects, including those initiated by the Federal Government, adding that the state was currently undertaking several strategic road and flyover projects on federal roads across the state.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, said the commission and Chevron were in Delta State to brief the governor on progress made so far in discussions regarding the project.
Ogbuku explained that the road project was originally awarded by the commission many years ago but had remained incomplete, prompting the NDDC to explore partnerships as part of efforts to comply with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that all abandoned projects in the region be completed.
He said the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road project would deliver enormous benefits to Delta State and the wider Niger Delta region by improving access to riverine communities and stimulating economic development.
“The benefit of this project to the region and to Delta State cannot be overemphasized. It is about 70 kilometres long with 29 bridges, and it will open up the area for socio-economic development,” Ogbuku said.
He disclosed that Chevron had already secured approvals from its joint venture partners to participate in the project, adding that several meetings had been held between the stakeholders to advance discussions.
According to him, technical teams from the NDDC, Delta State Government and Chevron would meet to validate the existing project design, review the cost implications and carry out environmental and geotechnical studies.
The teams, he added, would also conduct community engagement to address right-of-way concerns and other issues that could affect the implementation of the project.
Speaking on behalf of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Dr. Segun Kuteyi expressed the company’s readiness to partner with the NDDC and Delta State Government to deliver the project.
Kuteyi noted that Chevron had operated in Nigeria for more than six decades and remained committed to supporting infrastructure development in communities within its areas of operation.
He said the proposed road would significantly enhance connectivity between Warri and Escravos while providing socio-economic benefits to several communities and institutions in the region.
According to him, facilities such as the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko, as well as emerging small and medium-scale enterprises in the area, would benefit greatly from the road project.
Kuteyi emphasised that the successful delivery of the project would depend on strong collaboration among all stakeholders, including the Delta State Government, NDDC, Chevron and its joint venture partners.
He added that Chevron was committed to building the necessary partnerships that would ensure the safe and timely execution of the project, which is expected to take several years to complete due to its scale and the challenging terrain of the riverine environment.
At the end of the meeting, 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 outline the contributions of all participating parties before the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the commencement of the project.
