Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the 21-kilometre first phase of the Nembe-Brass Road project, describing the development as the fulfilment of a long-held dream for the people of Nembe and Brass Local Government Areas.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the project on Wednesday, Diri said the road represented a major milestone in his administration’s efforts to link remote riverine communities to the rest of the state through road infrastructure despite the challenging terrain of the Niger Delta.
Accompanied by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, the governor assessed the completed asphalted section of about 10 kilometres, including three bridges, before crossing a river by barge to inspect another 10-kilometre stretch that has already undergone stabilisation work.
Diri noted that the project had received consistent funding since its commencement and expressed confidence that contractors would meet the agreed delivery timeline.
According to him, the road is one of the most significant infrastructure projects undertaken in the state, given its potential to improve connectivity, boost economic activities and enhance security in the coastal communities.
“I feel accomplished. It is one thing to conceive a vision and another thing entirely to execute it,” the governor said.
He added that the people of the area had yearned for the road for decades and expressed delight that visible progress was now being made.
The governor further stated that the completion of the project would help reduce incidents of sea piracy by providing safer and more accessible transportation routes for residents and businesses.
Diri also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the broader Nembe-Brass Road initiative through the award of the second phase of the project by the Federal Government.
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He recalled that previous appeals to the federal authorities on the road project did not receive attention, but noted that the current administration responded positively and ensured that work on the federal section progressed alongside the state-funded phase.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, also expressed satisfaction with the quality and level of work completed, noting that the most technically demanding aspects of the project had already been addressed.
Teibowei disclosed that the fifth bridge along the route was expected to be completed within the next three months and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering the project within schedule.
In his remarks, the South-South Area Manager of Setraco Construction Company for Bayelsa and Rivers states, Jose Cosme, assured that Phase One of the Nembe-Brass Road would be completed by December 2026.
The Nembe-Brass Road is widely regarded as a strategic infrastructure project expected to open up economic opportunities, improve transportation and strengthen access to communities that have historically relied on waterways as their primary means of movement.