FG opens Bodo-Bonny road to relief decades of challenging river crossings

The Federal Government has said the temporary opening of the Bodo–Bonny road and bridges across the Opobo Channel in Rivers State is to bring relief to communities that have endured the decades of challenging river crossings and costly helicopter trips.

Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi representing the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the opening ceremony in Rivers on Monday disclosed this, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The road, spanning 37.9 kilometres and traversing challenging terrain including thick forests, swamps, creek networks, is the first federal road to directly link the mainland to Bonny Island, home to the Nigeria’s Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Plant and other major energy investments.

Tinubu described the road project as a testament to the Administration’s commitment to transforming the Niger Delta region while the project, awarded on 11th of December, 2014, commenced on the 28th of October, 2017, and is approximately 90.98% complete.

The event drew a wide array of government officials and dignitaries, including the Governor of Rivers State, members of the National Assembly (NASS), Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South South Zone, Ms. Gift Johnbull, traditional rulers, and community elders from the host communities.

The Rivers State Governor, Sir Similaye Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba who noted that families and commuters would now travel safely by road, especially during festive periods, instead of relying on 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 Govt’s readiness to partner with the Federal Govt to ensure peace and developmental progress in the oil and gas-rich region.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing the area at the National Assembly, delivered a goodwill message, in which he praised the President Tinubu for what he described as unmistakable demonstration of care and commitment to the Ogoni people.

Umahi, in his remarks 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.
He added that Heavy-duty trucks are also prohibited from plying the road until obstacles are removed and critical support infrastructure, including trailer parks, is provided while 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’ll 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.
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.

The Minister expressed appreciation to the National Assembly and the Peace Committee for their support, resilience during earlier project disputes, and credited the President for directing the Ministry to allow the contractor to complete the project despite the cost implications.

He also announced that the President is expected to visit Bodo and Bonny by March next year, noting that such visits often accelerate development and uplift communities and concluded with a call for peace, prosperity, lasting progress in Rivers State and the Niger Delta, urging a strong partnership between Julius Berger and the Ministry as the road reaches its final stages.
The Coordinating Director, Highways (Bridges and Design), Engr. Musa Sa’idu described the Bodo–Bonny Road as a bridge-dominated engineering landmark featuring over 3 kilometres of bridges, including nearly 1.2 km of main bridge and major structures such as the 502-metre Alpha Creek Bridge.

He emphasised the technical complexity of the project, comparing it to iconic structures such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Second Niger Bridge, as well as the Third Mainland Bridge.

Earlier the Engineers’ Representative (ER), Engr. Udom Joseph, provided technical context, highlighting the road’s design, includes flexible pavements on sand-filled embankments, rigid pavements within Bonny town, and nine mini-bridges, in addition to three major bridges.

He explained that the project has undergone several technical adjustments and financial revisions to address environmental challenges, with the original completion date set for August 2022.

Also, in a Goodwill Statement, a royal representative, on behalf of the King of Gokana Kingdom praised the Minister and acknowledged the support of the Rivers State Government, Chiefs of Gokana, Bori, and the wider Ogoni and Bonny communities, describing the project as monumental in scale and of immense benefit to Rivers State and Nigeria, at large.