Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has begun construction of the N59.7 billion Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover, a major road project designed to reduce traffic congestion, curb frequent accidents and improve economic movement along one of the state’s busiest highways.
The governor performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, describing the flyover as a long-overdue solution to a junction that has for years recorded heavy traffic, recurring crashes and loss of lives and property.
According to Oborevwori, the Agbor/Uromi Junction is a critical national corridor that links the Eastern and Western parts of the Niger Delta and also serves as a major gateway to Northern Nigeria, making improved traffic control at the location unavoidable.
He explained that the continuous mixing of heavy trucks, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians on the federal highway, combined with poor traffic flow, had turned the junction into a danger zone, necessitating a permanent engineering solution.
The governor disclosed that the contract for the design and construction of the flyover had been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with a completion timeline of 14 months.
He said the project would include a 1.3-kilometre flyover bridge along the Uromi–Agbor Highway, dual carriageways with two lanes in each direction, access ramps, roundabouts, concrete drainage systems, kerbs and solar-powered streetlights to improve safety and sustainability.
Oborevwori, who was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, and other top government officials, said the flyover would significantly improve traffic flow, shorten travel time and protect thousands of road users who ply the route daily.
“Anyone travelling from Lagos to the East or from the East to the West must pass through this route. Its importance to the national economy cannot be overstated,” the governor said.
He added that the project would also stimulate economic activities by creating jobs for engineers, artisans, labourers, transport operators, food vendors and others involved in the construction value chain.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, Oborevwori disclosed that the state government had released N100 billion as a special intervention fund, with N4 billion allocated to each of the 25 local government areas for infrastructure projects, alongside other sectoral investments.
He said Ika South Local Government Area is also benefiting from additional projects, including a N15.4 billion contract for 13.3 kilometres of concrete drainage and five kilometres of road construction to address flooding and erosion, as well as the proposed N12 billion, 15-kilometre Okpe–Abavo–Ekuku-Agbor Road.
“As a government, we award contracts strictly on merit and competence. Excellence will always attract further patronage,” the governor said, expressing confidence that the flyover would be delivered on schedule.
Former Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, described the Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover as a landmark project and commended Oborevwori for sustaining continuity and turning plans into tangible development across the state.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms, noting that although challenging, they are aimed at positioning Nigeria for long-term stability.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, described Oborevwori as a bold and hardworking leader and urged residents of Ika Nation to continue supporting the administration, citing several completed and ongoing infrastructure projects in the area.
Speaking on behalf of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr Frederich Weiser thanked the Delta State Government for the confidence reposed in the company and pledged to deliver the flyover to the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency, drawing from the firm’s experience on similar projects, including the Ughelli Flyover.
Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Chiedu Ebie, assured of the commission’s readiness to collaborate with the Delta State Government to complete the Abraka–Obiaruku–Abavo–Agbor Road, describing it as a critical feeder route to the new flyover.
Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, described the flyover as a “project of destiny” and thanked the governor for his action-driven leadership, including the restoration of electricity to communities that had been without power for more than 14 years.
Other dignitaries, including Hon. Victor Nwokolo, APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, HRM Benjamin Ikechukwu, Keagborekuzi I, and the President-General of the Agbor Community Union, Prof. Onyemaechi Ugboh, commended the governor’s infrastructure drive and pledged continued support.
