FG approves N280bn to complete Bodo-Bonny road project in Rivers

The Federal Government has approved the total and final sum of N280 billion for the completion of Bodo-Bonny road project in South South of Nigeria in enhancement of the socio-economic prospects of Rivers State.

Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi revealed this during inspection visit to the project site on Wednesday 19th June 2024, as contained in a statement released by his aide.

While this approval is in further resolve of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to bring to a conclusive end in perennial transportation challenges in Bodo-Bonny, South South of the country.

The Minister warned that the contractor handling the project, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, must work round the clock to beat the project delivery timeline of December 2024.

He expressed reservation over the Bodo-Bonny project administration by the contractor, insisting that the amount of money paid needed to correspond with the project completed.

Umahi, however, enjoined the contractor to ensure that no further excuses were given on the project delivery timeline as Federal Government would not approve further funds for the project for any reason of variation whatsoever.
“And in case the devil comes to play, whatever happens, we are not increasing this project cost. It’s a package, and it’s called lump sum final completion package to Julius Berger to do a beautiful job and attach their name. It has been 11 years, and we don’t want it to exceed this year. And so it is in your interest that you cooperate.”

He further added during the site visit, “I will be asking Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is there anything that the Minister of Works and NLNG will do to fast track this engagement so that we can arrive at the destination by the 15th of December 2024?”.

The Minister commended Mr. President’s commitment towards the completion of the road project, while praised the perseverance of the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee and the the cooperation and uprightness of NLNG funding the project.

Similarly, the Minister has expressed dismay over the attitude of RCC handing 15km East West Road (from Port Harcourt Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction) for their inordinate delay on project despite receiving mobilization for the job and warned that FG would not entertain any request for Variation on Price (VOP).
According to him, “We are very sad with the manners and behaviours of this contractor, RCC.The federal government has paid over 40 billion on this project, and not even one kilometer has been completed.

“And let me make it very clear that the cost we have given on the review of this project does not attract any VOP. There is no VOP on the project as far as the rates are concerned now.”

He decried the sufferings of the road users and expressed intention to source funds to maintain the road for the time being pending when the company remobilizes to the site. “So we have to see where we can search for funds and get any contractor around here to maintain the road.

“We need to maintain the road. We need to pity the people. It’s not acceptable what our people are passing through for an excuse from RCC that they are importing machines for the job”, the Minister said.

Other projects inspected by the Honourable Minister were the dualization of East-West road section II (sub section II) (Ahoada- Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States) being handled by Setraco Nigeria Ltd.

And the construction of the multiple box culverts at flood damaged locations along the dualization of East-West road (section II) Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States being handled by Messrs. Rock Result Nigeria Ltd.

In their words of commendation to Mr President, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and Senator representating Ebonyi North Senatorial District Sen. Barr. Onyekachi Peter Nwaebonyi.

And the spokesperson to the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee, Professor Jasper Jumbo who were part of inspection visit thanked the President of Nigeria for the great difference his administration brought in the Nigeria’s road infrastructure trajectory.

They appreciated the Minister for handling the mandate of the Ministry of Works with an exceptional sense of passion and professionalism.

Sen. Nwaebonyi said, “I want to use this opportunity to appreciate once again the performing Minister of Works who is doing wonderfully well on all our roads across the nation.

“This is one of them, the Bodo-Bonny Road. And I believe that with this constant supervision, the contractors will live up to expectations and deliver the job within a record time.”

Professor Jasper Jumbo said, “And I must commend your patriotism. I must commend your professionalism. One thing that this administration has shown us is that we enlisted people of credibility and people of integrity.

“I commend Mr. President, for bringing such a minister that is committed to giving Nigeria the best. This is the practical aspect of Renewed Hope”, the Professor added.

The NLNG representative and manager Government Relations, Dienye Godson also thanked Mr. President and his team for the will to complete the project.

“I must commend the Honourable Minister for all the efforts he has put in. He has spent several weeks and obviously has been very patient. And that has led us to where we are today. So, as a company, we are happy.

“So, at this stage now, we’ll go back and go through our own internal processes to ensure that we provide as much support as we can to the government.”

In his assurances on behalf of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the project manager stated, “We will not lean back, and continue expedite the re-mobilization of this project to ensure our full commitment.

“And as you rightly have said, Honourable Minister, we as partners in progress must have all hands on deck.”