Bodo-Bonny Road to Open by November, Umahi Orders Completion by December
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed that the Bodo-Bonny Road in Rivers State be opened to traffic by the end of November, with full completion and commissioning scheduled for December 2025.
Speaking during an inspection tour of federal road projects across the South-South and South-East regions, Umahi said the 37.9-kilometre project handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc had reached an advanced stage.
The project, which began in October 2017, has seen several cost reviews, rising from ₦120 billion to ₦280 billion after President Bola Tinubu approved additional funding to ensure completion.
“This project is exactly eight years old. The cost now stands at ₦280 billion—about ₦7.4 billion per kilometre—which is reasonable given the difficult terrain,” Umahi said. “If we were to start this now, it would cost over ₦15 billion per kilometre.”
The Minister ordered all barricades to be removed by the end of November to allow partial traffic flow, with final asphalt surfacing expected early next year.
“By 15 December, every job should be completed except the final five kilometres of asphalt. The road will open for use while we monitor its performance before the President comes to commission it,” he added.
Umahi also announced plans to install solar-powered streetlights, CCTV cameras and trees along the route, funded from the project’s contingency allocation.
“Security on this road is critical. We’ll use the contingency funds to install lights, cameras and plant trees without any extra cost to government,” he explained.
Julius Berger Project Manager Tim Nippert praised the Minister’s directive, promising timely delivery. “You’ve given us a tough challenge, but we’ll meet it. This project sets a new standard for concrete road construction in Nigeria,” he said.
At the Eleme-Onne section of the East-West Road, Umahi expressed satisfaction with work being handled by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC). He said the project had been redesigned from asphalt to reinforced concrete to support heavy industrial traffic.
“This is Nigeria’s busiest road, serving petrochemical plants, ports and refineries,” Umahi said. “We found the ₦156 billion asphalt design inadequate and switched to concrete for durability.”
He directed the installation of solar lights and CCTV cameras every 30 metres and called for the construction of truck parks to prevent damage to the road.
Umahi also warned against the misuse of public infrastructure, urging citizens to protect government investments.
“The President is building roads designed to last 100 years, but we must maintain them. Don’t park trucks on bridges or dump refuse on medians. Every citizen has a role,” he said.
The Minister assured contractors that funding for all Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)-sponsored road projects across Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States would continue uninterrupted.
“Funding will not be a problem. We’ll present a plan to the President this week to guarantee continuous financing,” he stated.
Umahi reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to completing key infrastructure nationwide, saying the Bodo-Bonny and Eleme projects demonstrate the government’s resolve to modernise Nigeria’s transport network.
