The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited to commence work on the proposed 70.75-kilometre Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road and bridges in the riverine axis of the state.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gave the assurance when the Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, led the commission’s executive management on a courtesy visit to Government House in Asaba ahead of a tripartite meeting involving the state government, NDDC and Chevron.
The governor expressed satisfaction with ongoing discussions among the partners on the strategic infrastructure project expected to link Warri with key oil-producing coastal communities, saying the road would enhance economic activities, improve security and boost infrastructure development across the region.
Oborevwori described the proposed road and bridges as a major transformational project for the state’s riverine communities and reiterated the state government’s readiness to collaborate with both organisations to ensure its delivery.
“I want to say that Delta State is ready to partner with the NDDC and Chevron to deliver this project,” the governor said, adding that his administration would continue to pursue partnerships that translate into tangible development for residents.
He explained that the tripartite arrangement would accelerate the project’s implementation while strengthening collaboration for sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
Oborevwori also emphasised the need for accountability, transparency and cost-effective service delivery in executing major infrastructure projects. He therefore urged both the NDDC and Chevron to determine the overall financial value of the project and outline their respective contributions.
According to him, the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road and bridges represent a strategic corridor that would enhance economic connectivity and promote peace among communities in the riverine areas.
The governor further stressed the importance of engaging a reputable construction firm for the project and disclosed that a technical team would be constituted to work with the NDDC and Chevron on the project’s design, cost evaluation and stakeholder commitments.
Earlier, Ogbuku said the proposed road and bridges would span about 70.76 kilometres, beginning from Omadino near the Opumami Canal and terminating at Escravos.
He explained that the project would consist of a 66.54-kilometre main alignment, a 4.22-kilometre spur to Kokodiagbene and 29 bridges linking several oil-producing and coastal communities across Warri South and Warri South-West local government areas.
Ogbuku reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to partnerships aimed at improving the quality of life of people in the Niger Delta, noting that similar collaborations had delivered key projects in the region.
He cited the partnership between the NDDC and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited on the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia–Nembe Road as a model that could be replicated for other major infrastructure initiatives.
The NDDC chief described Escravos as an area of strategic economic importance and said the commission was mobilising stakeholders to support the timely execution of the road project to improve accessibility to the area.
Also speaking, the Director of Operations and Chief Operating Officer of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Segun Kuteyi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the project.
Kuteyi said the road would connect Warri directly to Escravos, the hub of oil and gas activities in Delta State, adding that its completion would boost oil production and economic activities in the area.
He noted that the project would also provide direct access to major oil and gas facilities, including Chevron’s Escravos Export Terminal, while enhancing security response, socio-economic activities and relations among communities in the Niger Delta.
