Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has publicly acknowledged that the ambitious Port Harcourt Ring Road project was conceived by his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.
The 50.15-kilometre infrastructure development, which includes five flyovers and a river-crossing bridge, is expected to link more than six local government areas across the state.
Fubara made the remarks on Tuesday during an inspection of the ongoing project, shortly after President Bola Tinubu’s intervention reportedly eased tensions in the political rift between him and Wike.
In a notable show of deference, the governor referred to Wike as his “Oga,” describing him as a leader with “a very big ambition” for Rivers State.
According to Fubara, the former governor initiated the project with the intention of ensuring that his successor’s administration would deliver visible progress that would benefit the people.
“For me, this project is very important considering the person who conceived it, my Oga, the Hon. Minister. He had a very big ambition,” Fubara said.
“He believed that if I achieve this project on record time, the Rivers people will be happy with me.”
The governor stressed that regardless of any past disagreements, he remains committed to completing the project and sustaining the vision behind it.
“So, notwithstanding whatever is happening, it is also my wish and struggle to ensure that that vision will be fulfilled,” he added.
Fubara recalled that the Ring Road project was designed for completion within 36 months and noted that the delivery timeline is fast approaching.
He explained that his inspection tour began from the Eleme axis, passing through Iriebe and parts of Obio/Akpor, before reaching the section containing the river-crossing bridge.
“From your own observation… they have achieved a lot,” the governor stated, adding that contractors have assured the state government that the project will be delivered by October 2026.
Fubara noted that funding and sustained administrative pressure would be crucial in meeting the deadline.
“In my assessment, what they need is the fund, and from my own end is the push,” he said.
“I strongly believe that this promise that we made to our people, we will deliver it by October, God willing.”
The Port Harcourt Ring Road is regarded as one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in Rivers State, and its completion is expected to play a major role in easing transportation challenges and boosting economic activity across the state.
