₦177BN ON FLYOVERS:  GOMEP-NG QUESTIONS DELTA’S SPENDING PRIORITIES, SAYS BILLIONS COULD HAVE CREATED THOUSANDS OF JOBS

The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has raised concerns over the Delta State Government’s decision to commit about ₦177 billion to major flyover and road projects across the state, arguing that the huge expenditure could have been used to create jobs and expand economic opportunities for residents.

The organisation said the massive investment in flyovers should prompt a broader conversation about how public funds are being deployed and whether infrastructure spending is being matched with sufficient investment in human capital and productive sectors.

According to GOMEP-NG, the estimated ₦177 billion represents the combined value of three major flyover projects awarded by the present administration in Warri/Effurun, Ughelli and Agbor.

The projects include the ₦78 billion Warri/Effurun flyover and road expansion project awarded to Julius Berger, the ₦39.3 billion Otovwodo Junction Flyover in Ughelli, and the ₦59.7 billion Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor.

GOMEP-NG stressed that it was not opposed to the construction of roads and bridges, acknowledging that quality infrastructure is essential to economic development.

However, the organisation argued that the scale of expenditure should be accompanied by equally substantial investments in employment generation, vocational training, agriculture, healthcare and support for small businesses.

“₦177 billion is a substantial amount of public money. While flyovers and roads have their importance, a significant portion of such resources could have been directed towards creating jobs, developing skills and supporting productive businesses across Delta State,” GOMEP-NG said.

The group suggested that part of the funds could have been invested in establishing vocational and technical training centres across the state’s 25 local government areas, providing equipment and start-up grants for young entrepreneurs, expanding agricultural production and processing, and strengthening primary healthcare.

It also called for greater transparency in the award and execution of major public contracts, urging the government to make contract values, project specifications, independent cost benchmarks and final project expenditure available to the public.

GOMEP-NG maintained that the success of public infrastructure spending should not be measured solely by the number of projects completed, but also by the jobs created, businesses supported and improvements in the living standards of citizens.

The organisation therefore urged the Delta State Government to adopt a broader approach to public investment that balances physical infrastructure with policies capable of generating sustainable employment, enterprise development and long-term economic growth.

“Development is not only about what government builds in concrete. It is also about the jobs, businesses, skills and opportunities that public investment creates for the people,” GOMEP-NG said.