Port Harcourt, Rivers State — Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has hailed the on-going construction of the 13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road as a bold and visionary effort, designed to fundamentally open the state’s challenging coastal terrain to significant economic growth.
The Governor’s powerful declaration centres on his administration’s ambition to fully harness the potential of the state’s blue economy, transforming previously inaccessible areas into hubs for commerce and tourism.
Governor Fubara made the remarks on Tuesday following a detailed inspection visit to the project site in the Andoni Local Government Area. His comments were contained in a statement issued late that evening by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
A New Pathway to the Atlantic
The new thoroughfare, being executed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), is carving a path through an immensely difficult coastal belt. It leads not just to established communities but to a newly identified, pristine beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Fubara elaborated that his administration’s remit had purposefully expanded beyond the initial concept. Whilst the original plan focused solely on constructing a road to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, a strategic decision was taken to create an entirely new route.
“Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean,” the Governor stated.
He stressed the necessity of capitalising on this discovery: “It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”
Commendation and Commissioning Target
The Governor acknowledged the sheer difficulty of the engineering programme, describing the area’s difficult terrain as highly challenging, much like other coastal projects currently underway. However, he was quick to commend MCC for their evident dedication and work ethic.
He expressed firm confidence that the project, once completed, will not only improve access for coastal dwellers but also stimulate tourism and economic activities, thereby substantially boosting revenue for Rivers State.
“From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory,” Governor Fubara affirmed, setting a clear timeline for the road’s official opening.
The Governor’s inspection tour also included a brief sojourn to the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress on the Epellema axis of the on-going 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project, which incorporates a notable 450-metre bridge.
