Stakeholders in Omadino-Okerenkoko-Escravos Road project meet, commit to strengthening pact

Stakeholders in the Omadino-Okerenko-Escravos Road project met in Asaba, Delta State capital, Thursday, where they committed to strengthen collaboration towards the successful completion of the project abandoned years ago.

The road project is located in Delta State, specifically spanning the Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas

The proposed project comprising road and bridges spans about 70 kilometers and 29 bridges and expected to significantly improve connectivity across riverine communities and stimulate economic development in the Niger Delta region.

The stakeholders including Delta State Government, the Niger Delta Development, Commission (NDDC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited and its Joint Venture Partners, all expressed their readiness to strengthen collaborate for the project.

At the meeting held at Government House, Asaba, the stakeholders agreed to establish a joint technical committee that would determine the final cost of the project, review the design to reflect current realities before the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the commencement of the project.

“We are ready to partner 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,” pledged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State even as he said that the state government would only support the project if it was awarded to a reputable construction company capable of delivering it to completion without abandoning the work.

“The state government would also set up a technical team to work with the NDDC and Chevron to review the project design, determine the current cost and outline the contributions expected from each stakeholder.

“The team would also address issues such as right-of-way, realignment of sections of the road and other technical considerations necessary for the successful execution of the project.”

While stating that Delta State had consistently demonstrated its willingness to support major infrastructure projects, including those initiated by the Federal Government, he said that the state was currently undertaking several strategic roads and flyover projects on federal roads across the state.

On his part, Sam Ogbuku, managing director of the NDDC had said that the commission and Chevron were in Delta State to brief the governor on the progress made in discussions regarding the project, explained: “The project was originally awarded by the commission many years ago but had remained incomplete, prompting the NDDC to explore partnerships as part of efforts to fulfil President Bola Tinubu’s directive that all abandoned projects in the region be completed.

He said that the project would deliver enormous benefits to Delta State and the entire Niger Delta by improving access to remote communities and boosting economic activities.

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 between the parties to advance discussions.

He said 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.

According to him, the stakeholders would also conduct community engagements to address right-of-way issues and other concerns that could affect the implementation of the project.

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

“The proposed road project will enhance connectivity between Warri and Escravos and provide significant benefits to communities and institutions in the region.

“Facilities such as the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko, as well as emerging small and medium-scale enterprises, would benefit immensely from the road project.

“The successful execution of the project will require strong collaboration among all stakeholders and Chevron is committed to building the necessary partnerships that would ensure the safe and timely delivery of the project,” he said.