February 27, (THEWILL) — Fear and anxiety grow as communities in Brass over the uncertain fate of the phase 2 of the Nembe–Brass Road, following allegations of abandonment, contractor incapacity, and the presence of abandoned construction equipment now posing serious safety risks.
Investigations by THEWILL revealed that AIL Infrastructure Limited, the contractor handling Phase 2 of the project, has allegedly deserted the site, raising widespread concern that the long-awaited phase may never be completed.
Phase 2 of the Nembe-Brass Road was awarded by the Federal Government to AIL Infrastructure Limited, and it is under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works.
THEWILL recalls that excitement greeted the award of the Phase 2 contract when Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, received the Chairman of AIL Infrastructure Limited, Mr Abiodun Otunola, at Government House, Yenagoa.
At the event, Governor Diri expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the second phase of the strategic road project, describing it as a major boost to Bayelsa’s long-term development aspirations.
“This project reaffirms Mr President’s vision for inclusive national growth and development. The people of Bayelsa deeply appreciate this milestone”, the governor had stated.
He further recalled that the Nembe–Brass Road vision dates back over 60 years, stressing that the Bayelsa State Government took the bold step to commence the project despite the enormous financial burden, driven by the need to improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and unlock the state’s Atlantic Ocean economic corridor.
Contrary to the fears surrounding Phase 2, Phase 1 of the Nembe–Brass Road has recorded significant and verifiable progress, according to the Bayelsa State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
Providing an update, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, disclosed that construction activities on the 21-kilometre Phase One corridor are advancing steadily toward final pavement.
“Sand filling across the entire 21km stretch has been completed. Sand-cement stabilisation has advanced to kilometre 15, while stone base preparation has reached kilometre 13.5”, Teibowei said.
He further revealed that motorists would soon begin to experience the impact of the project.
“Vehicles will be able to reach the St. Nicholas River by the end of this year, 2026”, he assured.
On bridge construction, the commissioner noted remarkable progress: “The second major bridge over the Kiberi River is at an advanced stage of completion, while Bridges Three and Four are each about 90 percent completed. The progress here is remarkable.”
The Phase One contract is being executed by Setraco, whose pace of work, residents say, stands in sharp contrast to the handling of Phase 2.
The slow pace and alleged abandonment of Phase 2 reportedly drew the attention of Nembe Se Forum, a socio-political think-tank, which investigated the contractor’s capacity and raised public concern over the project’s direction.
Sources disclosed that following the forum’s alarm, the contractor mobilised a few heavy-duty pieces of equipment to the site. However, the equipment was allegedly abandoned midway, creating new hazards rather than progress.
Residents along the Okpoama Twon axis of the road say abandoned trucks and machinery have become dangerous obstacles, especially at night.
Tari Efebo, a resident whose house fronts the affected area, expressed grave concern.
“The dumping of these heavy-duty equipment is dangerous. People commute on this road daily, and at night, motorcycles can ram into these trucks”, he said.
“When lives are lost, we begin to apportion blame. I am calling on the Bayelsa State Government and the Federal Government to urgently call the contractor to order and evacuate these equipment before innocent lives are lost.”
Efforts by THEWILL to reach the Federal Controller of Works were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. Representatives of AIL Infrastructure Limited also failed to respond to repeated calls and messages.
With Phase 1 advancing steadily and Phase 2 stagnating, amid safety concerns, residents fear that the second phase of the Nembe–Brass Road may degenerate into another abandoned federal project in the Niger Delta.
Community leaders are now calling for urgent intervention to protect lives, enforce accountability, and ensure that the road long viewed as a lifeline for Nembe and Brass does not become another symbol of broken promises.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
