The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Yenagoa Branch, has identified major road and bridge projects being undertaken by the Niger Delta Development Commission as potential drivers of economic growth across the region.

The engineers said the real value of the projects should be measured not only by the amount spent or the kilometres of roads constructed, but by the communities being connected and the economic opportunities created through improved transportation.

The Chairman of the NSE Yenagoa Branch, Eluanatein Mac Jokori, made the observation on Thursday while interacting with the 51 For 51: Ogbuku Impact Series team, led by Okaniba Damson, during an inspection and review of major NDDC infrastructure projects across the Niger Delta.

Jokori specifically highlighted the Ogbia-Nembe Road, Yenegwe-Ogbia Road rehabilitation, Emeyal-Elebele Road and Otuasega-Obedum-Emelego Road as projects capable of transforming transportation and commercial activities in Bayelsa State and neighbouring areas.

According to him, improved road networks would make it easier for farmers, fishermen, traders and other residents to transport goods from production centres to major markets.

He stressed that infrastructure development should ultimately be judged by the benefits it delivers to communities, particularly through improved access to economic centres and essential services.

One of the major projects highlighted was the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, which includes seven bridges and about 9.15 kilometres of prefabricated vertical drains designed to stabilise the difficult swampy terrain.

The road has provided a direct land connection between communities in Ogbia and Nembe and is expected to improve access to Yenagoa for residents of the Nembe axis.

Jokori also drew attention to the approximately 23.5-kilometre Otuasega-Obedum-Emelego Road and bridges linking communities in Bayelsa and Rivers states. He said the corridor, alongside the Oruma rigid pavement road in Ogbia Local Government Area, could improve the movement of agricultural produce from rural communities to urban markets.

The engineer explained that road construction in the Niger Delta comes with unusual technical challenges because of the region’s wetlands, rivers, creeks, soft soils and high water tables.

He therefore urged project managers and relevant stakeholders to pay close attention to foundation treatment, drainage, pavement design and maintenance to ensure that the infrastructure remains durable.

Similar projects were also identified in other Niger Delta states. In Akwa Ibom, Jokori cited the 6.87-kilometre Iko-Atabrikang-Opolom-Iwuo Achang Road and the 600-metre Ibeno Bridge, which have connected communities previously separated by the Qua Iboe River.

He said such projects could improve access to schools, healthcare facilities, markets and other economic centres while reducing residents’ dependence on difficult water crossings.

The NSE chairman also mentioned the nine-kilometre Obehie-Oke-Ikpe Road in Abia State and the 9.4-kilometre Ogu Community Road Network in Rivers State as examples of infrastructure projects with the potential to strengthen connectivity.

Beyond construction, Jokori emphasised the importance of maintaining the roads after completion. He warned that poor maintenance could undermine the investments and reduce the long-term benefits to the communities.

He commended the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for prioritising road and bridge infrastructure, noting that connectivity remains crucial to the economic development of the Niger Delta.

With agriculture, fisheries, oil and gas, commerce and transportation forming important parts of the regional economy, the engineers said improved infrastructure could reduce transportation difficulties, connect producers with markets and open up previously isolated communities.

The NSE therefore urged continued attention to engineering quality and maintenance, saying the ultimate measure of the project would be their performance over time and the lasting benefits they deliver to residents of the Niger Delta.