Governor Oborevwori Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Developers in Asaba Waterfront Zone
The Delta State Government has announced a final crackdown on illegal developers and land speculators encroaching on the Asaba Waterfront City project. During a site inspection on January 30, 2026, the Special Project Director, Hon. Barr. Victor Ebonka, revealed that heavy machinery will soon be deployed to clear all unauthorised fences and buildings within the 750 hectare project zone.
The move is part of the state’s broader effort to protect its flagship urban renewal initiative, which is designed to transform the Asaba coastline into a world class economic and residential hub.
Land Title Status and Legal Compliance
The state government has clarified that the land designated for the Waterfront City is fully acquired, gazetted, and free from any legitimate private claims. According to Hon. Ebonka, the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has fulfilled all statutory obligations, including:
Full Compensation: All original, legitimate landowners were verified and compensated before the project’s commencement.
Legal Gazetting: The area is officially designated as restricted government land, meaning occupants are not entitled to the standard statutory notices usually required for private land disputes.
Warning to Buyers: Prospective investors have been cautioned to verify land status through the Ministry of Lands and Surveys to avoid falling victim to fraudulent speculators.
Project Timeline and Developer Progress
The Asaba Waterfront City is currently entering its second phase, which focuses on large-scale land reclamation and primary infrastructure. Two major firms are spearheading the technical execution:
North China Construction Company: Managing over 300 hectares for the primary Waterfront City development.
Falklands Nigeria Limited: Overseeing a larger portion earmarked for the integrated "Niger City" project.
Project Director Ebonka expressed confidence that substantial portions of the land would be reclaimed within the next two to three months. The project is expected to be substantially delivered within the next three years, featuring an ICT hub, commercial zones, and luxury hospitality facilities.
Economic Impact of Urban Renewal
Asaba is increasingly becoming a destination for property developers migrating from Lagos and the South-East, driven by its strategic location and administrative stability. The Waterfront City project is modeled after high end developments like Eko Atlantic in Lagos, aiming to:
Enhance Property Values: Create a high yield real estate corridor along the River Niger.
Mitigate Environmental Risks: Ongoing excavation and road construction are engineered to be one meter above the historic 2012 flood levels to ensure climate resilience.
Boost Tourism and Trade: The integration of hospitality and leisure facilities is expected to solidify Asaba's status as a regional convention hub.
The Delta State Government’s decision to proceed with demolitions underscores a "zero tolerance" policy toward land grabbing that threatens public infrastructure. For the Asaba Waterfront City to achieve its potential as a self-sustaining mega city, the protection of its master plan is paramount. Investors are advised to adhere strictly to formal government channels to participate in what is projected to be one of the most significant real estate transformations in the Niger Delta region
