Fresh Deadline Set for Bodo-Bonny Road Completion
The Nigerian Federal Government has issued a new deadline of September 2025 for Julius Berger, the contractor handling the N280 billion Bodo-Bonny Road project in Rivers State, to complete the project. This comes after President Bola Tinubu approved a fixed contract sum for the project, which was reviewed upwards to facilitate early completion.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the announcement during an inspection of ongoing federal road projects in the state on Monday. According to Umahi, the approval was given after negotiations with the contractor, who insisted on the fixed sum to enable them complete the job. The minister urged the company to adhere to the project specification.
“We have given Julius Berger what they want in terms of the money they are looking for,” Umahi said. “We negotiated for one year, but Berger refused to shift ground. So, we have to allow you the total amount of money you are looking for and so we have given you the award letter. So, you have to go and sign the addendum.”
The project, which is currently under construction, is expected to have a lifespan of 50-100 years without requiring maintenance or reconstruction. Umahi commended the contractors for the work done so far and assured the Rivers people that the road will be completed on time.
The minister also stated that he will return for two more inspections before 2024 runs out to monitor the work being done and ensure the contractor honours the agreement. He emphasized the importance of meeting the deadline, saying, “We are giving a deadline of September 2025; that is the deadline that this job should be finished.”
The Federal Government’s decision to set a new deadline for the project’s completion is seen as a move to ensure the early completion of the road, which is expected to have a significant impact on the economy and daily life of the people of Rivers State.
