Vice President Kashim Shettima and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday commissioned the 33.5-kilometre Elele–Egbeda–Omoku Dual Carriageway in Rivers State.
The road, which passes through Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas, was inaugurated by Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima arrived in Rivers State earlier in the day and was received at the Port Harcourt International Airport by Governor Fubara, members of the state executive council, federal lawmakers, ministers and other government officials before proceeding to the commissioning venue.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President said the completed road would improve transportation and make it easier for residents, farmers, traders and businesses along the route to move their goods and services.
He said good roads remained important to economic development because they connect communities, markets, workplaces, schools and healthcare facilities.
The 33.5-kilometre dual carriageway was previously known for poor road conditions, deep gullies and difficult movement. The new project includes a bridge across a river and lighting along the route, providing better access for motorists during both the day and night.
Shettima said the improved road would help farmers transport their produce to markets faster and reduce losses caused by delays. He also noted that traders would have easier access to customers, while businesses could benefit from lower transportation and logistics costs.
The Vice President commended Governor Fubara for using state resources to complete the project and said the road showed how infrastructure projects could continue across different administrations for the benefit of citizens.
Fubara, on his part, said the road was designed to address the needs of communities along the corridor and improve their access to economic opportunities.
The governor said the route had previously faced serious security challenges, including kidnapping and illegal oil bunkering activities. He expressed confidence that the improved road would make it easier for security agencies to move around the area and respond to incidents.
He also pointed to the lighting installed along the entire road, saying the illumination would improve visibility at night and help reduce the space available for criminal activities.
Fubara thanked the Federal Government for supporting the state and said the completion of the road was part of his administration’s efforts to fulfil its promises to residents.
The project is among the major infrastructure developments being undertaken by the Rivers State Government and is expected to improve transportation, security and commercial activities across the communities connected by the route.