By Joy Onu
President Bola Tinubu has officially inaugurated the 37.9-kilometre Bodo–Bonny Road in Rivers State, marking a major milestone more than a decade after the project was first awarded in December 2014. Although the contract was approved during the previous administration, construction by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc did not begin until October 20, 2017.
The President, represented at the ceremony by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, described the project as a “flagship achievement” of his administration, noting that the road reached 90.98 per cent completion before its opening.
Tinubu said the inauguration signals the end of years of risky sea travel and costly helicopter trips for residents commuting between Bodo and Bonny Island. He, however, announced that only small vehicles would be allowed to use the road temporarily, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily, pending full completion in March 2026. Heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and tricycles remain prohibited until then.
To prevent misuse of the new infrastructure, the President urged the Rivers State Government to provide 20 plots of land each at both ends of the road for the development of truck parks, warning that indiscriminate parking could damage the newly built route.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, praised the President’s commitment to improving the welfare of the Ogoni people and accelerating development in Rivers State. Mpigi represents the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, expressed appreciation to the Tinubu administration for sustaining the project despite years of delays. He also appealed for additional federal intervention in the state.
Julius Berger’s Project Manager, Tim Nippert, disclosed that about 35 kilometres of the dual carriageway are currently motorable. He also reaffirmed the contractor’s commitment to completing the remaining work including 11 bridges within the first half of 2026, linking the mainland directly to Bonny Island for the first time.
