By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the completion of the ongoing Asaba Twin Mega City project, a flagship urban renewal initiative under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE agenda.
The government has also warned individuals who have been compensated for their land to steer clear of the project site or risk demolition of illegal developments.
The Special Project Director in charge of the project, Barr. Victor Ebonka, emphasized the significance of the initiative during an inspection of the six-lane road leading to the twin mega cities.
He stated that the two cities—Asaba Waterfront City and Niger City, are being developed by reputable companies.
Ebonka noted that the project forms part of Governor Oborevwori’s vision to transform the capital territory into a modern, thriving city equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
According to him, the development would significantly transform the Asaba waterfront and contribute to the state’s economic growth, adding that completion of the project would be a game-changer for the state and its people.
“The twin cities—Asaba Waterfront City and Niger City—are being developed by North China Construction Company and Foklands Nigeria Limited, respectively,” he said.
Barr. Ebonka also issued a stern warning to trespassers, including those who had been compensated but were attempting to illegally develop parts of the land, saying; “I want to use this medium to sound a note of warning to them to desist from such acts. The Ministry of Lands and all relevant stakeholders have been duly notified. Any illegal development on these lands will be demolished”.
Commending the expertise of both companies in land reclamation, Ebonka explained that they are well known for their proficiency in reclaiming flood-prone areas.
He expressed optimism that the project would not only address the perennial issues of erosion and flooding in the area but also create a new economic hub with modern infrastructure such as multi-lane roads, underground electricity, and sewage systems.
“Before now, this entire area could best be described as wasteland. You couldn’t build on it, and farming was impossible due to constant flooding,” Ebonka said.
He reiterated Governor Oborevwori’s unwavering commitment to delivering the project, stating: “With what I see here today, this road project will be fully completed in less than a month. It is also expected that both companies will extend the road to the River Niger.”
Highlighting the long-term economic and infrastructural benefits of the project, Ebonka noted that, “By 2028, the reclamation process will be completed, and major infrastructure will begin to emerge. Work on Niger City has already commenced; they have been on-site for almost two years and dredging is ongoing.”
He added that the project would also offer opportunities for land ownership and housing. “Everyone is eligible to own land here. We’re talking about over 800 hectares. If you subdivide it into plots of 100 by 100 feet, that’s about 10,000 plots,” he said.
“Asaba Waterfront City will develop approximately 352 hectares into a modern mega city, with features such as economic hubs, recreational parks, and residential areas. Niger City will develop about 423 hectares in a similar manner. Under the MOU, the two companies will reclaim the land, while the government is responsible for providing this six-lane access road directly from the main road.”
He also disclosed that the Governor had graciously paid full compensation to all individuals with legitimate claims within the corridor. “This access road serves as the boundary between the two developments. To my right is Asaba Waterfront City, and to my left is Niger City. This is a very commendable initiative by the state government,” he added.
Barr. Ebonka stressed that the Oborevwori-led administration, through its proactive MORE agenda, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the developers not only to build the cities but also to solve the erosion and flooding problems historically associated with the area.
In their separate remarks, the Contract Manager of North China Construction Company, Mr. Akindele Israel, and Engr. Mike Nwachukwu of Foklands Nigeria Limited, provided insights into the project’s progress and reaffirmed their companies’ commitment to the success of the twin mega city initiative.
They described the project as revolutionary and a major step forward in the development of the Asaba capital territory.