By Joy Onu
The Federal Government has marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure development with the completion and ongoing expansion of the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Project, now officially open to traffic.
The achievement was celebrated at the Medallion Award Ceremony organized by the Bodo-Bonny Road & Bridges Peace Committee on Friday, 27th March 2026, at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The event drew national leaders, senior government officials, traditional rulers, key stakeholders, and representatives from the Bodo-Bonny communities, underscoring the national significance of the project.
Representing the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., lauded the project as a strategic economic corridor that will enhance connectivity, boost trade, and integrate coastal communities into the national economy. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing the initiative and commended the contributions of former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, alongside Engr. Umahi, the contractors—including Julius Berger (Nigeria) Plc—and Nigeria LNG Limited under the Tax Credit Scheme.
Minister Goronyo also announced that Phase II of the project has received approval and is set to commence shortly, aiming to expand infrastructure and strengthen economic linkages across the Niger Delta region.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, described the project as a national asset with significant socio-economic benefits. He stressed the importance of robust maintenance frameworks to ensure sustainability and encouraged the replication of similar initiatives nationwide.
Prof. Jasper Jumbo, Chairman of the Award Ceremony Sub-Committee, noted that the project’s success was a result of sustained collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and innovative policy measures, including Executive Order 7 and tax credit financing.
Special recognition awards and medals were presented to key contributors, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi, former Minister Raji Fashola, Minister of State Muhammad Goronyo, and Permanent Secretary Rafiu Adeladan. The Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Peace Committee was also commended for fostering dialogue and ensuring a conducive environment for project execution.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Elder Simialaye Young Pepple, President of the Bonny Improvement Association (Abuja Branch), expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for delivering a “long-awaited project” that resolves longstanding accessibility challenges and represents transformative development for the Bonny Kingdom.
The Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Project is seen as a model for infrastructure-led economic growth and a testament to the Renewed Hope Administration’s commitment to national development.
