Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, has said the ongoing construction of the 13.52-kilometre Ngo–Atlantic–Oyorokoto Road represents a bold and visionary step by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and unlock the state’s blue economy potential.
Governor Fubara made the remark on Tuesday during an inspection visit to the project site in Andoni Local Government Area of the state.
Fubara described the initiative as a transformative infrastructure investment that would boost tourism, trade, and connectivity in Rivers’ coastal communities.
The governor explained that the project, handled by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through difficult coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
According to him, “While the initial plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, the discovery of a new beachfront during the construction prompted his administration to expand the scope of the project.
“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road — 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy,” he said.
He further said, “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.
”It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beachfront as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy, ” he said.
Governor Fubara noted that the new road would not only improve access to coastal communities but also stimulate economic activity and tourism, providing new revenue streams for Rivers State.
Describing the coastal terrain as challenging, he praised the contractor for maintaining quality standards and commitment despite the difficult conditions.
“You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it.
“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, ” he said.
Governor Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess progress on the 5.2-kilometre Kalaibiama–Epellema Road, which includes a 450-meter bridge designed to enhance intra-community connectivity and support local development.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing strategic infrastructure that connects remote riverine areas to the state’s economic hubs, describing such investments as vital to inclusive growth.
