Fubara Inspects 13.52km Ngo–Atlantic Beach Road, Says Project Will Boost Blue Economy

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says the ongoing construction of the 13.52-kilometre Ngo–Atlantic Beach–Oyorokoto Road in Andoni Local Government Area is part of his administration’s strategic push to diversify the state’s economy through marine-based investments and tourism.

Governor Fubara made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of the project, which is being handled by MCC.

According to him, the new access road — a “virgin route” cutting through challenging coastal terrain — is designed to connect the Andoni Local Government Headquarters, Ngo, to a newly discovered beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean.

“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road — 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy,” the governor said.

He explained that the project, initially planned to terminate at Oyorokoto Beach, one of the state’s prime tourist destinations, was expanded after the discovery of another Atlantic-facing beach nearby.

“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 beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy,” Fubara stated.

The governor noted that the project will not only boost tourism and hospitality but also enhance marine transport and fishing activities in Oyorokoto, reputed as West Africa’s largest fishing settlement.

“You can see for yourself — it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday (Trans-Kalabari Road). 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 cause to commission this project and give God all the glory,” he added.

Fubara commended the contractor for maintaining high construction standards despite the terrain challenges and expressed confidence that the road would be ready for commissioning by March 2026.

The governor also inspected the ongoing 5.2-kilometre Kalaibiama–Epellema Road project in his home Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, which features a 450-metre river crossing ridge.