Delta Begins ₦29.8bn Aboh–Akarai Road, Okiri Bridge Project

The Delta State Government has commenced construction of the 10.1-kilometre Aboh–Akarai Road, including a major bridge across the Okiri River, in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, at a total cost of ₦29.8 billion.

The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the project site, accompanied by the Director of Highways, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Works.

Izeze said the project would open up Akarai and surrounding communities by providing a direct road link to Aboh, ending the long-standing reliance on river transportation.

He noted that Ndokwa East is largely agrarian, with residents engaged in farming and fishing, but poor access due to challenging terrain has hindered economic activities and business growth over the years.

“This project will enable the people of Akarai to connect to Aboh without having to travel by river. The difficult topography has made it hard for people to do business and thrive as entrepreneurs,” he said.

According to the commissioner, the road and bridge align with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, explaining that the “O” represents opportunities for all Deltans, irrespective of their location.

He revealed that the bridge design had been upgraded from five to seven spans to improve durability and withstand flooding, using the 2012 flood level as a benchmark.

Izeze added that contractors had returned to site after the Christmas holidays, with bush clearing already completed, while piling would begin once the river water level recedes further.

Also speaking, the contracting engineer, Lichaa Geagea, said preparatory works were ongoing, including site clearing, access opening and arrangements for key facilities. He added that heavy equipment would arrive on site before the end of the month, while piling and other construction works would commence next month.

The Aboh–Akarai Road and Okiri River Bridge project is expected to boost mobility, economic activities and social integration in Ndokwa East, especially for riverine communities facing long-standing access challenges.