Assures Completion of Nembe-Brass, Ekeremor-Agge Roads

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Government has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, with the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, declaring that citizens have a right to know how the state’s resources are generated and spent.

Mrs. Koku-Obiyai stated this during the administration’s transparency briefing for April and May 2026.

She described the briefing as a culture of governance rather than a ceremonial exercise, stressing that the administration of Governor Douye Diri is guided by the principle that every contract and every naira belongs to the people of Bayelsa State.

“This administration is governed by one simple rule: the people have the right to know. That is why transparency briefing is our culture and accountability is our compass.

“We are here today to account for your resources, explain our plans and listen to you,” she said.

The commissioner highlighted the governor’s hands-on approach to project monitoring, revealing that Senator Diri regularly conducts unscheduled inspections of project sites across the state to ensure quality delivery and adherence to timelines.

“His Excellency believes that accountability must be felt on the ground, not just heard in the halls,” Mrs. Koku-Obiyai said.

“When contractors know the governor can appear at any time on site, quality is maintained and timelines are respected. There is no room for cutting corners or abandoning projects.”

She noted that the state had established a robust compliance mechanism to monitor workmanship and ensure contracts are executed according to specifications.

Providing updates on major infrastructure projects, the commissioner said work was progressing steadily on the Nembe-Brass Road, which she described as a critical coastal corridor for the state.

“The Nembe-Brass Road is advancing steadily and will open up Nembe and the entire East Senatorial District. It will reduce travel time and stimulate economic activities in riverine communities,” she said, noting that the governor personally inspected the project site recently to assess progress and quality.

She also disclosed that construction work was ongoing on the Ekeremor-Agge Road, a strategic route linking Ekeremor to Agge on the Atlantic coastline.

According to her, the project is expected to end years of isolation for communities in the area while opening up new trade and economic opportunities.

The commissioner further confirmed that work was progressing on the state’s new nine-storey secretariat complex, designed to modernise governance and improve the efficiency of the civil service.

“The project will provide a befitting workspace for public servants and enhance service delivery across government ministries and agencies,” she said.

Mrs. Koku-Obiyai assured residents that all ongoing projects remain on schedule, within approved budgets and in line with expected standards.

She urged citizens to actively participate in the transparency process by visiting project sites and monitoring government activities firsthand.

“These and many other ongoing projects are where public funds are being invested. I encourage citizens to visit these sites, ask questions and see the work for themselves.

“Do not wait to criticise the government online. Find out what is happening, verify the facts and share accurate information,” she said.

The commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to open governance, accountability and prudent management of public resources, assuring that government would continue to keep citizens informed about its activities and development projects.