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The Delta State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited have intensified collaboration aimed at actualising the proposed Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road and Bridges project in Delta State.

The ambitious project, spanning about 70 kilometres with 29 bridges, is expected to improve connectivity among riverine communities and stimulate economic growth across the Niger Delta region.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gave the assurance of the state government’s readiness to partner with the Niger Delta Development Commission and Chevron Nigeria Limited during a meeting with the leadership of the commission and representatives of the oil company at Government House, Asaba, on Thursday.

The governor commended the Managing Director of the commission, Sam Ogbuku, for the progress recorded under his leadership and reiterated Delta State’s commitment to ensuring the project becomes a reality.

Oborevwori described the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road as critical to the development of riverine communities, noting that it would open up the area for greater economic activities.

“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, stressed that the state government would only support the project if it was awarded to a reputable construction firm capable of completing the job without abandoning it midway.

According to him, the state government would establish a technical team to work with the NDDC and Chevron to review the project design, determine the current cost and outline the expected contributions from each stakeholder.

The governor added that the team would also address issues relating to right-of-way, possible realignment of sections of the road and other technical considerations necessary for the successful execution of the project.

He noted that Delta State had consistently demonstrated its willingness to support major infrastructure initiatives, including those initiated by the Federal Government, adding that the state was currently executing several strategic road and flyover projects on federal roads.

Earlier, Managing Director of the NDDC, Sam Ogbolu, said the commission and Chevron were in the state to brief the governor on the progress made in discussions concerning the project.

Ogbuku explained that the road project was originally awarded by the commission many years ago but remained incomplete, prompting the NDDC to seek partnerships in line with the directive of Bola Ahmed Tinubu that abandoned projects in the Niger Delta should be completed.

He said the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road would deliver significant benefits to Delta State and the entire Niger Delta by improving access to remote communities and boosting economic activities.

“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,” he said.

Ogbuku disclosed that Chevron had already secured approvals from its joint venture partners to participate in the project and that several meetings had been held to advance discussions.

He added that technical teams from the NDDC, Delta State Government and Chevron would meet to validate the existing design, review project costs and carry out environmental and geotechnical studies.

The teams, he said, would also engage host communities to address right-of-way issues and other concerns that could affect the project’s implementation.

Speaking on behalf of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Segun Kuteyi expressed the company’s readiness to partner with the NDDC and the 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 its areas of operation.

He said the proposed road would improve connectivity between Warri and Escravos and bring significant benefits to communities and institutions in the region, including the Nigeria Maritime University in Okerenkoko and emerging small and medium-scale enterprises.

According to him, the successful execution of the project would require strong collaboration among all stakeholders, including the Delta State Government, the NDDC, Chevron and its joint venture partners.

The stakeholders agreed to establish a joint technical committee to determine the final cost of the project, review its design to reflect current realities and outline the contributions of all parties before signing a Memorandum of Understanding for the commencement of the project.