In a momentous ceremony held on Monday, January 19, 2026, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, officially flagged off the construction of the N59.7 billion Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area. This groundbreaking event marks a major milestone in the state's aggressive infrastructure renewal drive, addressing one of the most notorious traffic bottlenecks and accident-prone spots along the vital Lagos–Asaba Expressway.
Accompanied by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, top government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders, Governor Oborevwori described the project as a critical intervention designed to enhance road safety, preserve precious lives, and catalyze economic growth not only in Delta State but across the broader Niger Delta region and beyond. The flyover, he emphasized, responds directly to years of persistent complaints about severe traffic congestion, frequent fatal accidents, and property damage at the busy Agbor/Uromi Junction.
For decades, this intersection has been a nightmare for commuters. The chaotic convergence of heavy trucks, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians on this federal highway—exacerbated by poor traffic management, potholes, and inadequate infrastructure—has claimed numerous lives and disrupted daily commerce. Residents and travelers from neighboring Edo State, including communities in Igbanke, have long endured gridlocks that waste hours, increase transportation costs, and heighten risks. Historical accounts from locals highlight how the junction became synonymous with tragedy, with multiple reports of ghastly crashes turning what should be a smooth transit point into a death trap. Governor Oborevwori noted that the urgent need for a permanent solution had become unavoidable, making this flyover a long-overdue response to public safety demands.
The contract for the design and construction has been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, a renowned engineering firm with a proven track record in Delta State. Preliminary works commenced even before the official flag-off, with heavy equipment mobilized to the site along the Lagos–Asaba Expressway. The project is expected to be completed within 14 months, reflecting the administration's emphasis on timely delivery. The flyover spans 1.3 kilometres, featuring a multi-span bridge structure, dual carriageways with two lanes in each direction, access ramps, roundabouts (including two strategically placed ones), comprehensive concrete drainage systems, kerbs, and modern solar-powered streetlights for enhanced nighttime safety and environmental sustainability.
A standout engineering feature is the inclusion of 30-meter-long beams, longer than those used in previous Delta flyovers, necessitating the importation of specialized German equipment. This advanced design underscores the project's scale and the commitment to world-class standards. Upon completion, the flyover will dramatically reduce travel times, eliminate gridlocks, boost productivity, and open up new economic opportunities along this corridor.
Governor Oborevwori highlighted the strategic significance of the Agbor/Uromi route as a major economic and transportation artery. It serves as a vital link connecting the Eastern and Western parts of the Niger Delta while acting as a key gateway to northern Nigeria. "Anyone travelling from Lagos to the East or from the East to the West must pass through this route," he stated, underscoring its national importance. The project will not only safeguard thousands of daily users but also generate substantial employment for engineers, artisans, laborers, transporters, food vendors, and others in the construction ecosystem.
Reaffirming his administration's dedication to inclusive and balanced development under the MORE Agenda (Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security), the Governor announced that Delta State has injected N100 billion as a special intervention fund, with N4 billion allocated to each of the 25 local government areas for grassroots infrastructure. In Ika South specifically, complementary projects include a N15.4 billion contract for 13.3 kilometres of concrete drainage systems and five kilometres of road construction to combat flooding and erosion, as well as the planned N12 billion 15-kilometre Okpe–Abavo–Ekuku-Agbor Road. "As a government, we award contracts strictly on merit and competence. Excellence will always attract further patronage," he assured, expressing full confidence in Julius Berger's ability to deliver on schedule.
The ceremony drew glowing tributes from dignitaries. Immediate past Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa hailed the project as monumental and praised Oborevwori for sustaining continuity in governance, turning visions into reality. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's economic reforms as necessary steps toward a sustainable future.
Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, described the Governor as an audacious and workaholic leader, reminding the Ika Nation of numerous ongoing projects in the area and calling for continued support.
Representing Julius Berger, Mr. Frederich Weiser expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in the firm and pledged high-quality, timely delivery with minimal disruption, drawing on experience from projects like the Ughelli Flyover.
NDDC Chairman Mr. Chiedu Ebie assured collaboration on the Abraka–Obiaruku–Abavo–Agbor Road, a vital feeder to the new flyover. Ika South Local Government Chairman Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior called it a "project of destiny," thanking the Governor for action-driven leadership, including restoring electricity to communities dark for over 14 years.
Other speakers, including Hon. Victor Nwokolo (Ika Federal Constituency), APC National Publicity Secretary Mr. Felix Morka, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom HRM Benjamin Ikechukwu Keagborekuzi I, and Agbor Community Union President-General Prof. Onyemaechi Ugboh, praised the massive infrastructure push and pledged unwavering support.
This event follows closely on the heels of the N39.3 billion Otovwodo Junction Flyover groundbreaking in Ughelli just a week earlier, bringing the total flyover projects under the Oborevwori administration to five—a testament to the state's infrastructure momentum. As Delta continues its transformation, the Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover stands as a symbol of progress, safety, and shared prosperity for all Deltans.
