Abuja, Nigeria – June 18, 2025
Senator Barinada Mpigi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works and representative of Rivers South-East Senatorial District, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the comprehensive completion of the East-West Road, particularly the critical stretch linking the Oil Mill Junction to Onne in Rivers State.
In a statement issued following a series of correspondences and stakeholder engagements involving community leaders, youth groups, and concerned citizens from Ogoniland and surrounding areas, Senator Mpigi assured that no inch of the project, and no design approved under the contract scope, will be left undone.
“These concerns from Ogoni leaders, civil society actors, and transport unions are legitimate,” the Senator stated. “As their representative and Chair of the Senate Committee overseeing national road infrastructure, I have escalated these matters to the Federal Ministry of Works, the project consultants, and contractors. I want to assure our people that this road is not only a lifeline to the economy of the Niger Delta but also a symbol of the government’s commitment to inclusive development.”
Senator Mpigi emphasized that all approved designs — including drainage systems, service lanes, culverts, pedestrian access points, and safety features — will be fully executed. He stressed that no shortcuts or cost-saving omissions will be tolerated, especially on a road of such strategic economic and environmental importance.
He further assured the people of Ogoniland and other affected communities that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Security Adviser, and the Honourable Minister of Works are fully seized of the importance of this project and are doing everything possible to ensure it is delivered to the highest standard — including all flyovers and auxiliary components. Their collective resolve, Senator Mpigi noted, is a reflection of the administration’s broader infrastructure renewal agenda and its focus on delivering critical assets that unite and empower the nation.
The East-West Road, a vital economic corridor for the transportation of petroleum products, goods, and services across the Niger Delta region, has long been a source of concern due to delays, flooding, and structural integrity issues. Recent heavy rains and visible signs of erosion along some sections have further heightened anxieties among communities and commuters.
In response to these developments, Senator Mpigi disclosed that an independent monitoring mission, in collaboration with community-based observers and the Senate Committee on Works, will soon be established to ensure strict compliance with project specifications and timely delivery.
He further thanked the people of Ogoniland and other impacted communities for their vigilance, patience, and patriotic engagement. “Your voices have not gone unheard. I will continue to work with all relevant federal and state actors to ensure the successful delivery of this project, in line with national standards and the aspirations of our people,” he concluded.
