Delta, NDDC, Chevron Revive Plans for Strategic Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road

The Delta State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited have renewed efforts to actualise the long-proposed Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road and Bridges project aimed at improving access to riverine communities in the state.
The proposed infrastructure, which covers about 70 kilometres and includes 29 bridges, is expected to enhance connectivity across the coastal axis of Delta State and stimulate economic growth in the Niger Delta region.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gave the assurance of the state government’s willingness to collaborate on the project when he received the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Sam Ogbuku, and a delegation from Chevron Nigeria Limited at Government House, Asaba.
Oborevwori described the road project as critical to the development of the riverine communities, noting that it would open up the coastal corridor to greater economic activities.
He commended the NDDC leadership for the progress recorded so far and reiterated the readiness of the state government to support the initiative.
According to the governor, Delta State would, however, ensure that the contract is awarded to a credible construction firm capable of delivering the project to completion.
He disclosed that a technical team would be constituted by the state government to work with the NDDC and Chevron to review the project design, determine the current cost implications and define the contributions expected from each stakeholder.
The team, he added, would also address technical issues such as right-of-way, possible realignment of sections of the road and other engineering considerations required for the successful delivery of the project.
Earlier, Ogbuku explained that the road project was originally awarded several years ago but remained unfinished, prompting the commission to seek strategic partnerships to ensure its completion.
He said the initiative aligns with the directive of Bola Ahmed Tinubu that abandoned projects across the Niger Delta region should be revived and completed.
Ogbuku emphasized that the project would significantly improve access to remote riverine settlements and unlock new opportunities for socio-economic development in Delta State.
He added that Chevron had already secured approvals from its joint venture partners to participate in the project, while several meetings had been held to move discussions forward.
The NDDC boss also revealed that technical teams from the commission, Delta State Government and Chevron would soon meet to validate the existing design, review the project cost and conduct environmental and geotechnical studies.
Speaking on behalf of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Dr. Segun Kuteyi reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnering with the NDDC and the Delta State Government to deliver the project.
Kuteyi noted that Chevron had operated in Nigeria for more than 60 years and remained committed to supporting infrastructure development in communities within its operational areas.
He added that the road would strengthen connectivity between Warri and Escravos while providing significant benefits to institutions such as the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko, as well as small and medium-scale businesses in the coastal communities.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed to establish a joint technical committee to determine the final project cost, review the design to reflect present realities and outline the contributions of each partner ahead of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the project’s commencement.