Asaba, Delta State – The Delta State Government has reiterated that the strict oversight and constant supervision policy introduced by Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori remains the cornerstone of its determination to deliver durable, high-quality infrastructure while ensuring taxpayers receive full value for every kobo spent on public projects.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, made this disclosure on Wednesday during an extensive on-site inspection of several ongoing and completed rural road projects across Aniocha North and Aniocha South Local Government Areas.
Speaking to journalists at various project sites, Aniagwu explained that the Governor’s insistence on hands-on monitoring was deliberately designed to create a healthy balance between contractors’ legitimate profit motives and the government’s sacred duty to guarantee lasting infrastructure for citizens.
“His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has made it clear from day one that constant supervision is non-negotiable,” Aniagwu said. “We are not here to witch-hunt contractors; we are here to ensure a win-win outcome. Contractors must make reasonable profit, but the people of Delta State must get roads and other infrastructure that will stand the test of time. That is the only way we can justify the mandate given to this administration.”
The Commissioner noted that regular site visits also allow the ministry to identify and address unforeseen engineering challenges that were not apparent at the design stage. Such issues, he explained, include the need for additional culverts, erosion control measures, or compensation for affected property owners, all of which are accommodated under the contingency provisions in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).
Accompanied by the Director of Rural Roads, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, and other senior officials of the ministry, Aniagwu began the day-long inspection at the ongoing asphalt overlay and drainage works on the Issele-Azagba–Otulu Road. While commending the contractor for substantial compliance with specifications, he directed immediate backfilling of some sections of the drains and the extension of the discharge channel to prevent future erosion and ensure efficient water flow.
“These are not punishments,” he clarified. “They are enhancements that supervision helps us identify early. When we spot areas that can be improved to make the road serve our people for decades, we have a responsibility to act, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
The inspection team proceeded to the 1.95-kilometre Atuma–Iga Internal Roads in Aniocha North and the 1.2-kilometre Justice Chukwudumebi Oseji Way in Idumuje-Unor, where Aniagwu expressed visible satisfaction with both the quality of workmanship and the pace of work. He equally inspected the recently completed 2.75-kilometre Umuoshimi Road in Onicha-Ugbo, stating that he needed to physically verify the project before the final payment is processed.
“Under this administration, no contractor gets paid for shoddy jobs,” he stressed. “We pay promptly, but we pay only for excellence.”
One of the hallmarks of the Oborevwori administration, according to the Commissioner, is the deliberate policy of allocating specific infrastructure funds to each of the 25 local government areas, with priority given to rural and riverine communities that were long neglected.
“You can see for yourself,” Aniagwu said, gesturing towards the Atuma–Iga road surrounded by modest homes and farmlands. “These are not roads leading to the houses of ‘big men’ or politicians. These are roads that directly touch the lives of ordinary farmers, traders, school children, and pregnant women who deserve to move freely and safely within their own communities. This government belongs to everybody, and no community will be left behind.”
When asked why some projects are confined within a single community instead of linking multiple towns, Aniagwu explained that intra-community (internal) roads are just as critical as inter-community highways.
“In many of our towns, you have six, seven, or even more quarters,” he said. “If the quarters are not properly connected, movement becomes difficult, economic activities are stifled, and emergency services cannot respond quickly. Building quality internal roads is therefore an integral part of our MORE Agenda.”
Looking ahead, the Commissioner disclosed that the proposed 2026 budget will significantly increase funding for local government infrastructure projects, from the current N2.1 billion to approximately N5 billion per local government area, in recognition of the visible successes recorded since the policy was introduced.
He also assured contractors of the administration’s commitment to financial promptness, revealing that qualified contractors now enjoy up to 40 percent mobilisation fees and are paid immediately upon satisfactory completion and certification.
“If the contractor handling Issele-Azagba–Otulu finishes in the next four weeks, Governor Oborevwori will release the balance of payment before the end of this budget cycle,” Aniagwu promised.
On the emerging gully erosion threatening a section of the Issele-Azagba–Otulu corridor, the Commissioner said technical meetings have already been held and remedial works have commenced. Additional velocity-control structures, he added, will be installed to slow down storm water and prevent further soil displacement.
“All required adjustments—whether for drainage upgrades or erosion control—are fully covered under the contingency provisions in the BEME,” he reassured residents. “We will not allow the situation to get out of hand.”
Wrapping up the inspection, Mr. Aniagwu reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to quality assurance and equitable development.
“We are proud of what we have seen today, but we will not rest on our oars,” he said. “Our ultimate goal is to raise the living standards of every Deltan, no matter how remote their community may be. With the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the cooperation of contractors and citizens alike, Delta State will continue to set the pace in sustainable infrastructure delivery across Nigeria.”
The inspection tour once again underscored the Oborevwori administration’s hands-on approach to governance and its determination to translate campaign promises into tangible realities for the people of Delta State.
