Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has reaffirmed his administration’s bold push to unlock the state’s immense blue economy and tourism potential, with a flagship 13.52-kilometre coastal road project linking Ngo, the Andoni Local Government Headquarters, to a pristine Atlantic Ocean beachfront. During an on-site inspection on Tuesday, October 28, the Governor described the initiative as a “virgin pathway” to marine prosperity, signaling a strategic pivot from oil dependency toward sustainable ocean-based industries, tourism, and hospitality—particularly in Andoni, a key constituency in his federal representation.
“This is not just a road; it is a deliberate step toward diversifying our economy through marine opportunities and tourism,” Governor Fubara declared while touring the construction site. “We started with Oyorokoto Beach—one of the finest tourist centres in the region—but as work progressed, we discovered an even more spectacular beach directly facing the Atlantic. We cannot limit development. This new beachfront will be fully harnessed as part of our broader blue economy masterplan.”
The project, executed by MCC Construction Company, cuts through challenging mangrove swamps and coastal floodplains, connecting inland communities to two major beach destinations: the renowned Oyorokoto Beach and the newly identified Atlantic-facing shoreline. Once completed, the road will dramatically boost access to Oyorokoto, widely regarded as West Africa’s largest fishing settlement, enabling expanded marine trade, aquaculture, and eco-tourism ventures. Local fishers, hoteliers, and youth groups anticipate a surge in economic activity, with plans already emerging for beach resorts, water sports, and cultural festivals showcasing Andoni’s rich maritime heritage.
Governor Fubara expressed strong confidence in the timeline, projecting commissioning by March 2026. “The terrain is tough—just like the Trans-Kalabari Road we inspected yesterday—but MCC is delivering quality. By God’s grace, this road will be ready for use next year, opening Rivers to a new era of coastal prosperity,” he stated.
The inspection also extended to a complementary 5.2-kilometre road in Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Fubara’s home area, featuring a 450-metre river-crossing ridge at Kalaibiama–Epellema. This dual infrastructure thrust underscores a regional development corridor linking Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro—two historic coastal kingdoms with deep ties to the Niger Delta’s blue economy.
Why This Matters for the Niger Delta
- Blue Economy Activation: The Atlantic beachfront positions Rivers as a gateway for marine tourism, deep-sea fishing, and renewable ocean energy.
- Job Creation: Thousands of direct and indirect jobs expected in hospitality, logistics, and fisheries.
- Cultural Preservation: Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro’s seafaring traditions will anchor authentic tourist experiences.
- Climate Resilience: Elevated road designs and mangrove buffers signal adaptive infrastructure against rising sea levels.
Local stakeholders welcomed the move. Chief (Dr.) Blessing Fubara Wagbara, a community leader in Andoni, hailed it as “the first time a sitting governor is physically walking the swamps to deliver real development.” Youth groups under the Andoni Blue Economy Forum have pledged to support security and environmental safeguards to ensure project success.
As Rivers positions itself as Nigeria’s Blue Economy Capital, Governor Fubara’s coastal road initiative is more than infrastructure—it is a blueprint for transforming the Niger Delta’s 850-kilometre coastline from a frontier of neglect into a thriving hub of sustainable wealth.
