(DDM) — Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has strongly criticized the deplorable condition of federal roads across the South-South region, calling for an urgent partnership between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), state governments, and relevant federal agencies to rehabilitate the collapsing highways.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Governor Oborevwori made the call during the official inauguration of NDDC’s new Delta State office complex in Warri on Friday.
The governor lamented that the poor state of roads in the region has crippled economic activities, worsened travel times, and endangered lives, particularly along major inter-state corridors that connect Delta to neighbouring states.
He revealed that his administration had already approved ₦35.7 billion for the reconstruction of the Warri–Sapele–Benin highway, describing the road as one of the most strategic routes linking Delta to Edo and other Niger Delta states.
According to him, the federal government has abandoned its responsibility to maintain critical infrastructure in oil-producing regions despite the huge revenues generated from the area.
Oborevwori emphasized that such neglect has continued to frustrate both trade and development, warning that without immediate intervention, the region’s transport network could face total collapse.
He urged the NDDC to move beyond project announcements and take concrete steps in partnering with state governments for massive rehabilitation works.
“This is not the time for politics or promises,” Oborevwori stated.
“It is time for action, collaboration, and accountability. Our people deserve good roads, safe transport, and infrastructure that reflects the wealth we produce for this nation.”
NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who also spoke at the event, announced that the Commission had entered into a ₦650 billion partnership with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) to execute major infrastructure projects across the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku said the Commission was shifting its operational focus “from transactions to transformation,” stressing that the era of uncompleted and duplicated projects was over.
He assured the governor and residents that the new NDDC office in Warri would strengthen the Commission’s presence in Delta State and improve coordination on project monitoring, community engagement, and developmental initiatives.
Oborevwori commended the NDDC for the gesture but maintained that visible results must accompany every partnership, adding that the people are tired of “photo ops without progress.”
He said Delta State under his MORE Agenda, which stands for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security, remains committed to building durable, well-connected road networks that can sustain both industrial and rural development.
“We will continue to collaborate with federal agencies and development partners, but our focus remains clear, to deliver roads that last, not ones that wash away after every rainfall,” the governor added.
The event attracted senior government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders who praised the governor’s stance and urged both the NDDC and federal authorities to match their words with action.
Observers note that with the ongoing decay of key federal highways such as the East-West Road and Warri–Port Harcourt route, Oborevwori’s call represents a growing frustration among South-South leaders over Abuja’s perceived neglect of the region’s infrastructure.
Analysts believe the renewed synergy between the NDDC, state governments, and corporate partners could mark a turning point if properly implemented.
However, residents remain cautiously optimistic, insisting that previous promises by past administrations have often failed to translate into tangible results.
As Oborevwori pushes for a new model of development cooperation, many hope the governor’s bold challenge to the federal government will finally ignite meaningful action to end the region’s long-standing road crisis.