The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has issued a directive for the Bodo-Bonny Road in Rivers State to be opened to users by the end of November. The road is expected to be fully completed and commissioned in December. Umahi gave the directive during an inspection tour of federal road projects in the South-South and South-East regions, where he assessed the progress of the 37.9-kilometer Bodo-Bonny Road project being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
The project, which commenced on October 20, 2017, has undergone several cost reviews, with the initial contract sum of ₦120 billion increased to ₦199 billion and finally to ₦280 billion, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval to ensure completion. Umahi explained that the cost translates to about ₦7.4 billion per kilometer, which he described as reasonable considering the terrain and the standard of work being executed.
The Minister directed that all barricades be removed by the end of November to allow for partial traffic flow while monitoring continues until the final asphalt surfacing is completed early next year. He also revealed plans to install solar-powered streetlights, CCTV cameras, and trees along the embankments, noting that the enhancements would be financed from the project’s contingency funds without additional cost to the government.
Umahi also inspected the Eleme-Onne section of the East-West Road, where he expressed satisfaction with the work handled by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC). The project has been redesigned from asphalt to reinforced concrete pavement to accommodate heavy industrial traffic. The Minister directed the installation of solar lights and CCTVs at 30-meter intervals and called for the construction of truck parks to prevent heavy vehicles from damaging the new road.
The Minister warned against the misuse of public infrastructure, urging citizens to take ownership of government projects. He assured contractors that funding for all NNPC-sponsored road projects, including those in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States, would continue without interruption. Umahi concluded by reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to completing key infrastructure across Nigeria, saying the Bodo-Bonny and Eleme road projects reflect the administration’s resolve to transform the nation’s transport network.
The completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road and the Eleme-Onne section of the East-West Road is expected to significantly improve transportation in the region, boosting economic activities and enhancing the quality of life for residents. With the Minister’s directive and the contractors’ commitment to meeting the deadline, the projects are on track to be completed as scheduled, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s infrastructure development agenda.