By Lucky Uto
The Delta State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited have agreed to strengthen their partnership to revive and complete the proposed Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road and Bridges project in Delta State.
The road project, which will stretch about 70 kilometres and include 29 bridges, is expected to improve access to riverine communities and boost economic activities across the Niger Delta region.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gave the assurance when he met with the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, and a delegation from Chevron Nigeria Limited at Government House, Asaba, on Thursday.
Oborevwori said the Delta State Government was ready to partner with the NDDC and Chevron to ensure the project becomes a reality, describing the road as very important to people living in riverine areas.
He explained that the project would open up the region for more development and economic growth.
However, the governor stressed that the state would only support the project if it was awarded to a reputable construction company capable of completing it.
To move the project forward, the governor said the state government would set up a technical team to work with NDDC and Chevron to review the project design, determine the current cost and decide how each stakeholder would contribute.
He added that the team would also address issues such as right-of-way, possible realignment of some sections of the road and other technical matters needed for successful execution.
Earlier, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, said the commission and Chevron were in Delta State to brief the governor on progress made in discussions on the project.
According to him, the road was originally awarded many years ago but was not completed, prompting the NDDC to seek partnership support in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to complete abandoned projects in the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku said the road would bring major benefits to Delta State and the region by improving access to remote communities and encouraging economic development.
He revealed that Chevron had already secured approval from its joint venture partners to participate in the project, adding that several meetings had been held to advance discussions.
Ogbuku also said technical teams from the NDDC, Delta State Government and Chevron would soon meet to review the existing design, update the project cost and carry out environmental and geotechnical studies.
He added that community engagement would also be carried out to address right-of-way issues and other concerns that could affect the project.
Speaking for Chevron Nigeria Limited, Dr. Segun Kuteyi said the company was ready to work with the NDDC and Delta State Government to deliver the project.
Kuteyi noted that Chevron had operated in Nigeria for over 60 years and remained committed to supporting development in communities within its areas of operation.
He said the road would improve connectivity between Warri and Escravos and bring significant benefits to communities in the region.
According to him, institutions such as the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko and growing small businesses would benefit greatly from the project.
The stakeholders agreed to set up a joint technical committee that will determine the final cost of the project, review the design and define the contributions of all parties before signing a Memorandum of Understanding for the commencement of the project.
