Bodo-Bonny road: A new dawn for Niger Delta connectivity

The Federal Government has marked a significant milestone in its infrastructure development agenda with the successful delivery and opening to traffic of the Bodo -Bonny Road and Bridges Project.

This strategic economic corridor is poised to revolutionize connectivity, facilitate trade, and integrate coastal communities into Nigeria’s national economy, reaffirming the government’s commitment to infrastructure-led growth.

The achievement was celebrated at a Medallion Award Ceremony organized by the BodoBonny Road & Bridges Peace Committee on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

The event gathered national leaders, senior government officials, traditional
rulers, and community representatives, all united in acknowledging the project’s profound impact.

Representing the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has conveyed the Ministry’s dedication to
delivering critical infrastructure nationwide.

He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing the project, highlighting it as a testament to policy continuity and a sustained national development agenda.
Goronyo also acknowledged the pivotal contributions of former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, and the technical leadership of Engr. Umahi.

Special commendation was extended to the contractors, particularly Julius Berger (Nigeria) Plc, and Nigeria LNG Limited for their support under the Tax Credit Scheme.

The project, described by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, as a critical national asset with significant socio-economic benefits, underscores the importance of robust maintenance frameworks for long -term sustainability.
Prof. Jasper Jumbo, Chairman of the Award Ceremony Sub-Committee, emphasized that the Bodo-Bonny Road project is a prime example of sustained collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and policy innovation.

He noted that challenges such as funding constraints, environmental considerations, and security issues were effectively addressed through coordinated interventions, including Executive Order 7 and the tax credit financing model.

In recognition of their invaluable contributions, special awards and medals were presented to key figures instrumental in the project’s initiation, development, and successful delivery.
Honorees included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi, ex-Minister Raji Fashola, Minister of State Muhammad Goronyo, and Permanent Secretary Rafiu Adeladan.

The Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Peace Committee also received commendation for its crucial role in fostering dialogue and ensuring a conducive environment for project execution.

Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Elder Simialaye Young Pepple, President of Bonny Improvement Association (Abuja Branch), expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government.
He hailed the road as a “long-awaited project” that has successfully resolved longstanding accessibility challenges and represents a transformative development for the Bonny Kingdom.

Looking ahead, the Minister further disclosed that approval has been granted for Phase II of the project, with commencement expected shortly.

This next phase aims to further strengthen infrastructure expansion and deepen economic linkages within the Niger Delta region.