Niger Delta Roads in Terrible Condition, Says Gov Oborevwori

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has lamented the deplorable condition of roads across the Niger Delta, describing them as “nightmarish” and a major burden on motorists and businesses in the region.

Speaking during the inauguration of the new Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) state office in Edjeba, Warri, the governor called for stronger collaboration between state governments and the NDDC to urgently address the decay of critical road infrastructure.

Oborevwori expressed particular concern over the Warri–Sapele–Benin dual carriageway, which he said had become almost impassable. He announced that his administration had approved ₦35.7 billion for its reconstruction, noting that the road serves as a vital link connecting Delta to Bayelsa, Rivers, and Cross River states.

The governor appealed for a strategic partnership between the NDDC and states in the region to rehabilitate key federal roads that have long been neglected. He praised NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for his leadership and described the new Delta office as a symbol of “institutional stability and renewed purpose” for the Commission.

In his remarks, Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed the NDDC to complete all abandoned projects across the Niger Delta. He urged the Commission’s staff to maintain professionalism and stay non-partisan, stressing that “the NDDC is for everyone, not a privileged few.”

Momoh also cautioned Delta communities against individuals seeking to create unrest for personal gain, urging collective support for regional peace and development.

NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the new office represents the Commission’s shift “from transactions to transformation.” He revealed an ongoing partnership with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company worth ₦650 billion to fund major infrastructure projects across the region.

He assured that the Commission remains committed to timely project execution and to restoring public confidence through transparency and collaboration.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong; Chairperson of the House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu; Senator Ned Nwoko; and Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, among others.

Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed Delta State’s readiness to work closely with the NDDC and the Federal Government to transform the Niger Delta into a zone of progress, saying: “Our people deserve better roads, better infrastructure, and a better quality of life.”