Delta, NDDC, Chevron Forge Partnership For Omadino–Escravos Road Project
Delta, NDDC, Chevron Move to Revive Omadino–Escravos Road Project
THE Delta State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and Chevron Nigeria Limited have intensified efforts to ensure the successful execution of the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road and Bridges project, a strategic infrastructure initiative set to boost connectivity and economic development in the state’s riverine communities.
Spanning about 70 kilometres and featuring 29 bridges, the project is designed to enhance mobility, open up remote communities, and stimulate economic activities across the Niger Delta.
Government Assures Support
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori assured the NDDC and Chevron of the state government’s readiness to partner on the project during a meeting at Government House, Asaba. The governor commended the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, for the progress achieved under his leadership and stressed that the state’s support would be conditional on engaging reputable contractors capable of delivering the project to completion.
Oborevwori said a technical committee would be established to collaborate with the NDDC and Chevron, reviewing project designs, validating current costs, addressing right-of-way issues, and ensuring proper realignment of road sections. He reiterated that Delta State had a track record of supporting major infrastructure projects, including ongoing strategic roads and flyovers on federal roads across the state.
NDDC Seeks Completion of Abandoned Projects
Dr. Ogbuku noted that the project had been initially awarded years ago but left incomplete, prompting NDDC to explore partnerships in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to finish abandoned projects in the Niger Delta. He emphasized that the road would bring “enormous benefits” to both Delta State and the wider region, improving access to remote communities and boosting economic activities.
According to Ogbuku, Chevron had secured approvals from its joint venture partners to participate in the project. Technical teams from the NDDC, Delta State Government, and Chevron would validate the existing design, review costs, carry out environmental and geotechnical studies, and engage with communities to resolve potential implementation challenges.
Chevron Commits to Local Development
Speaking on behalf of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Dr. Segun Kuteyi affirmed the company’s commitment to partnership with the NDDC and Delta State Government. He highlighted the strategic importance of the road, which will enhance connectivity between Warri and Escravos, benefiting institutions such as the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko and emerging small- and medium-scale enterprises in the area.
Kuteyi stressed that due to the scale and terrain challenges, strong collaboration among all stakeholders was critical to ensure timely and safe project delivery. He added that the establishment of a joint technical committee would determine final costs, review designs, and outline each stakeholder’s contribution ahead of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to kick-start the project.
