The Niger Delta Development Commission says plans have reached an advanced stage for President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate the construction of a 69-kilometre road network that will link Warri to the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, and the Escravos terminal in Warri South West Council Area of Delta State.

The Executive Director, Projects, NDDC, Mr Samuel Adjogbe, said the project was one of the star projects of the Buhari-led government, which was proposing to open up the Niger Delta region for economic and social development.

He noted that the multi-billion naira project would pass through Omadino and Okerenkoko, and terminate at Escravos.

He stated that the project, which would include over 22 bridges, would enhance the development of the Maritime University in Okerenkoko as well as cut the cost of operations by multinational oil companies operating in the region.

Adjogbe stated, “Also, in Delta State, we are currently at an advanced stage planning to commence the construction of a 69km road network from Omadino to Okerenkoko and Escarvos. This is an area nobody thinks a road can be constructed in. It’s going to be 69km in length with 22 bridges, which means that most parts of that road is going to be on bridges.

“This is what the NDDC is doing to ensure that the Federal Government infrastructure, which is currently located at Okerenkoko, can have maximum utilisation. If there are no roads to Okerenkoko, then the Maritime University that is sited there will not function optimally. This is one of the ways to assist the development of the school.”