By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has on behalf of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to delivering durable and modern infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He disclosed this during the temporary opening of the Bodo–Bonny Road and Bridges Across the Opobo Channel in Rivers State.
President Tinubu described the road project as a testament to the Administration’s commitment to transforming the Niger Delta region.
The road, spanning 37.9 kilometres and traversing challenging terrain including thick forests, swamps, and creek networks, is the first federal road to directly link the mainland to Bonny Island, home to Nigeria’s Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Plant and other major energy investments.
The project, awarded on the 11th of December, 2014, commenced on the 28th of October, 2017, and is approximately 90.98% complete.
The Rivers State Governor, Similaye Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabrabawho described the day as historic, noting that families and commuters would now travel safely by road, especially during festive periods, instead of relying on hazardous waterways where dangers include strong currents and armed robbery.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Minister for rescuing the project from years of uncertainty and reiterated the State Government’s readiness to partner with the Federal Government to ensure peace and developmental progress in the oil and gas-rich region.
Senator Barinada Mpigi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, who represents the area at the NASS, delivered a goodwill message, in which he praised the President for what he described as an unmistakable demonstration of care and commitment to the Ogoni people.
Engr. Umahi announced operational guidelines for the temporary opening, highlighting that the road would be open daily from within a specific time frame (7:00 am-7:00 pm), as motorcycles (“Okadas”) and tricycles (“Keke”) are barred for security and safety reasons.
Heavy-duty trucks are also prohibited from plying the road until obstacles are removed and critical support infrastructure, including trailer parks, is provided. He emphasised that these measures are to safeguard the road and ensure its longevity.
The Minister also disclosed enhancements made possible through project savings to be added stating, “There will be installation of solar-powered streetlights with CCTV cameras for security and planting of trees” along the entire stretch—features that were not included in the original project plan. He further announced that the road will eventually be dualised through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with a toll system to ensure proper maintenance and long-term durability.
Engr. Umahi also gave insights into other key projects, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that Session 1 in Lagos is approximately 85% completed, Session 2 between Lagos and Ogun is about 40% done, and Sessions 3A and 3B in Cross River and Akwa Ibom are advancing smoothly.
Preparations for Session 5 are underway, while Sessions 4A and 4B in the Ogun–Ondo axis will ultimately connect Lagos to Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and end in Cross River. He confirmed that all sections of the East–West Road are under active construction and are expected to be completed next year.
