Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to unlock the state’s vast blue economy and tourism potential, particularly within its coastal communities — with Andoni Local Government Area identified as a key focal point.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of the ongoing 13.52-kilometre Ngo–Atlantic Beach–Oyorokoto Road, a brand-new access route being constructed to connect Ngo, the Andoni Local Government Headquarters, to a pristine beachfront directly facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Fubara described the project as a strategic investment in economic diversification, aimed at harnessing marine-based opportunities, boosting tourism, and improving livelihoods along the coastal corridor.
“We are conducting another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road — 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway into the blue economy,” Governor Fubara said.
“Initially, our focus was the Oyorokoto Beach Road, leading to one of the most attractive tourist destinations in this region. But as work progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic. We knew immediately that development shouldn’t stop at just one site. We want to fully harness this new beachfront as part of our broader plan to grow the blue economy.”
The Governor explained that the project, cutting through challenging coastal terrain, will not only enhance marine and fishing activities in Oyorokoto — reputed to be West Africa’s largest fishing settlement — but also stimulate tourism, hospitality, and other business ventures across the coastline.
“You can see for yourself that this is a completely new road built through a very difficult terrain, much like the Trans-Kalabari Road we inspected yesterday,” he noted. “But I’m confident that we will overcome every challenge. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing excellent work. By God’s grace, we hope to commission this project by March next year and give all glory to God.”
Governor Fubara commended MCC for maintaining high construction standards despite environmental difficulties and expressed optimism that the project would be completed on schedule.
Beyond Andoni, the Governor also inspected the ongoing 5.2-kilometre Kalaibiama–Epellema Road in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, which includes a 450-metre river-crossing bridge, further underscoring his administration’s commitment to improving inter-community connectivity and coastal development.
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