Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partner with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited on the construction of the 70.75 kilometre Omadino Okerenkoko Escravos Road and bridges in Warri North Local Government Area.
The Director of Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to the statement, the governor gave the assurance when the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, led a delegation of the Commission’s executive management, including the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, and other directors, on a courtesy visit to him at Government House, Asaba.
The visit preceded a tripartite meeting involving the Delta State Government, the NDDC and Chevron Nigeria Limited aimed at developing a clear roadmap for the commencement of the project.
Governor Oborevwori expressed satisfaction with the ongoing discussions among the partners on the project, which is expected to connect Warri with key oil producing coastal communities, thereby boosting economic activities, improving security and enhancing infrastructure in the region.
The governor assured that his administration was fully committed to the successful execution of the project, describing it as a major infrastructure initiative that would transform coastal communities in the state.
“I want to say that Delta State is ready to partner with the NDDC and Chevron to deliver this project,” Oborevwori said.
He added that such collaborations would translate into tangible development for the people of Delta State while also strengthening sustainable regional development.
Oborevwori also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and cost effective service delivery in the execution of infrastructural projects. He urged the NDDC and Chevron to determine the project’s financial value and outline their respective contributions.
Describing the Omadino Okerenkoko Escravos Road and bridges as a strategic corridor, the governor said the project represents a significant investment in economic connectivity and peace building across riverine communities.
He also stressed the need to award the project to a reputable construction firm to ensure timely and quality completion, noting that a technical team would be established to work with the NDDC and Chevron on the project design, cost assessment and stakeholder contributions.
Providing details of the project, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Ogbuku, said the proposed road and bridges would cover approximately 70.76 kilometres, beginning from Omadino near the Opumami Canal and terminating at Escravos.
He explained that the project would include a 66.54 kilometre main alignment, a 4.22 kilometre spur leading to Kokodiagbene and 29 bridges connecting several oil bearing and coastal communities across Warri South and Warri South West Local Government Areas.
Ogbuku reiterated the Commission’s commitment to strategic partnerships aimed at improving the quality of life in the Niger Delta region.
He cited the collaboration between the NDDC and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited on the 25.7 kilometre Ogbia Nembe Road as a model for similar infrastructure partnerships.
The NDDC boss described Escravos as a critical economic hub and noted that efforts were ongoing to mobilise stakeholders to support the construction of the high impact road project to the area.
He also presented an executive brief to the governor detailing the Commission’s discussions with Chevron to harmonise strategies for the project’s execution.
Speaking during the meeting, Chevron’s Director of Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Segun Kuteyi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the project.
Kuteyi said the Omadino Okerenkoko Escravos Road would provide a vital link between Warri and Escravos, a major hub for oil and gas activities in Delta State.
He noted that the road would enhance access to key oil and gas installations, including Chevron’s Escravos Export Terminal, while also boosting oil production, economic activities, security response and inter community relations across the Niger Delta.
