Warri Is Choking — Only the Warri-Ogbe-Ijoh Bridge Can Breathe Life into Delta’s Future
By GbaramatuVoice Editorial Board
Delta State is on the brink of a major urban transportation crisis, and nowhere is this more evident than in the twin cities of Warri and Effurun. Once seen as the commercial heart of the state, these cities are now being strangled by unchecked urban growth, poor transportation planning, and lack of alternative routes. The situation has escalated to a point where thousands of commuters, especially those living in Udu and their adjoining communities, face extreme difficulties entering and exiting Warri daily.
Currently, the only functional entry point from that axis into Warri is the Udu Bridge—constructed in the 1970s. That single bridge now services a population that has grown exponentially over the decades without corresponding infrastructure expansion. According to the National Population Commission’s last projections, Warri South LGA alone has well over 500,000 residents, while the wider Warri metropolitan area, including Effurun and Udu, now supports over a million people.
Every weekday morning, traffic begins building up from as early as 5:30 a.m. around Udu Road, stretching across the Udu Bridge into Enerhen Junction. The situation is reversed in the evening, with workers returning home spending up to two or more hours in gridlock—on a route that under normal conditions takes 15 to 20 minutes. Many commuters now deliberately wait until after 9 p.m. to begin their journeys home, simply because that is when the road becomes manageable.
Now, with the ongoing construction of the Enerhen Junction flyover, initiated to ease traffic flow in the long term, the short-term reality has become even more difficult. The already bottlenecked Udu Bridge has become nearly impassable during peak hours, causing severe delays and emotional distress for commuters, affecting productivity and even discouraging business growth in certain sectors.
The facts are clear: there is no alternate route. That is the root of the problem.
GbaramatuVoice therefore calls on the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to take bold and strategic action by immediately initiating the construction of a Warri–Ogbe-Ijoh Bridge. This project should not be delayed or politicized. It is a matter of urban survival, economic necessity, and equitable development. The Ogbe-Ijoh community, which lies just across the Warri River, is the headquarters of Warri South-West Local Government Area—a vital oil-producing area. Yet it remains largely disconnected from the state’s urban development plans due to lack of access.
Constructing a bridge from Warri to Ogbe-Ijoh is not just about easing traffic congestion; it is about opening up neglected riverine communities, integrating the oil-rich Ijaw areas into the urban economy, and creating new residential and commercial zones that reduce pressure on overstretched Warri and Effurun.
Beyond the bridge, a complementary dual carriage expressway connecting Ogbe-Ijoh through Aladja to the DSC Expressway is essential. This would create a development corridor that can accommodate population growth and redistribute economic activities. Additionally, it would significantly reduce reliance on the Udu Bridge, enhancing trade and logistics across the state.
The time has come for Delta State to adopt a long-term urban and transportation development strategy that goes beyond short-term fixes. Governor Oborevwori must prioritize a comprehensive master plan that factors in the growth of Warri, Effurun, and the surrounding areas. Such a plan should not only include the Warri-Ogbe-Ijoh Bridge but also ensure that infrastructure projects are mapped out to accommodate future population increases, economic expansion, and sustainable urban planning. Delta cannot afford to be reactive in its development; it must be proactive to stay ahead of the pressures that accompany rapid urbanization.
The cost of inaction will only grow. Already, investors are reconsidering expansion in Warri due to poor road access. The human cost—of fatigue, frustration, reduced family time, and lower productivity—is immeasurable.
Governor Oborevwori has declared the “MORE Agenda” for his administration—focusing on Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security. A Warri–Ogbe-Ijoh Bridge aligns perfectly with that vision. It is a project that promises meaningful development, opens up opportunities, and addresses one of the state’s most pressing urban challenges.
GbaramatuVoice urges the Delta State Government to commission feasibility studies, engage local stakeholders, and prioritize funding for this infrastructure within the current administration. Delta cannot move forward by standing still on critical infrastructure. Let the future be built—not on congestion and bottlenecks, but on access, vision, and action.
The time to build the Warri–Ogbe-Ijoh Bridge is not tomorrow. It is now.
