Ben Eguzozie
Rivers State, with the second largest subnational GDP of $28.4 billion in Nigeria, is set to unlock its multi-million-dollar blue economy potentials by building a first-time brand-new beachfront road.
The13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road is described by experts versed in blue economy, as a bold and visionary effort by Governor Siminalayi Fubara administration to open up the state’s coastal region for economic growth, and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.
Rivers holds strategic advantages of a hub for Nigeria’s blue economy. Sampler: has nearly 30 per cent of Nigeria’s total coastline of approximately 853km, has over 40 per cent of Nigeria’s crude oil and gas output, holds more than 33 per cent of the country’s GDP and foreign exchange earnings, owns 416 of Nigeria’s 1,201 oil wells, many located in marine environments, has two of Nigeria’s largest seaports, two oil refineries, and the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) terminal in Bonny Island—one of Africa’s most advanced gas facilities.
However, despite these opportunities, the state faces grave challenges such as pollution, coastal erosion, illegal oil refining, unregulated fishing, inadequate infrastructure, and maritime insecurity.
Governor Fubara described the ongoing construction of the brand new road in Andoni Local Government Area of the state, as bold and ambitious. The road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain, and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
The original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto town and its popular beach, but the governor decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.
“This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy. 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,” the governor said.
The project, when completed, will improve access to some remote coastal communities, stimulating tourism and economic activities, and boosting revenue for the state.
The area’s difficult terrain is challenging. MCC, the contractor has assured the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year. Cost of the project is unknown, in a state where budget transparency has been a big issue.
