KEY POINTS

• Governor Fubara says the 50km+ Port Harcourt Ring Road will be completed by October if funding continues steadily.
• The project spans at least five LGAs and is designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity.
• Originally conceived by former governor Nyesom Wike, it is considered a cornerstone project for Rivers State’s urban and economic development.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed that the more than 50-kilometre Port Harcourt Ring Road project will be completed and officially delivered by October this year.

He gave the assurance after personally inspecting sections of the ongoing construction, which stretches across at least five local government areas and is expected to significantly ease traffic within Port Harcourt and surrounding communities.

According to the governor, the contractor handling the project, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, has maintained that it can meet the deadline as long as funding remains steady.

Fubara stressed that his administration is committed to providing the necessary financial backing to avoid delays and ensure continuous work on site.

He explained that although the project was originally designed to run for about 36 months, the government decided to evaluate the level of progress as that timeline approaches.

Following discussions with the contractors, he said they reassured him that October remains achievable, adding that his role is to keep funds flowing while the company delivers the engineering work.

Ring Road: Strategic Project Seen as Key To Traffic Relief And Economic Growth

The governor described the Ring Road as a major infrastructure project critical to the long-term development of Rivers State.

Conceived by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the project is intended to serve as a bypass around the capital city, helping to decongest inner-city roads, improve access to residential and industrial districts, and strengthen the overall transport network.

Fubara acknowledged Wike’s original vision for the project and said he is determined to see it completed for the benefit of residents now and in the future.

He emphasized that despite political or administrative challenges, his government considers the project too important to stall, noting that its completion would mark a major milestone in urban mobility for the state.

Construction of the Ring Road began at the start of Fubara’s administration, and once finished, it is expected to transform movement around Port Harcourt by offering an alternative route for motorists who currently pass through congested city centres.