By Joy Onu
The Federal Government has opened the 37.9km Bodo–Bonny Road, creating a new economic and transportation corridor in the Niger Delta with added security features and plans for long-term expansion. The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony, said the project is a major pillar of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Ministry described the opening as a historic breakthrough for Bonny Island and Ogoni communities, which for decades relied on dangerous waterways and costly helicopter transport. According to a press statement issued by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director of Press and Public Relations, the road marks a transformative milestone for riverine communities long cut off from safe travel.
President Tinubu hailed the project as a strategic investment in national energy and economic security, linking the mainland directly to Bonny Island, home to NLNG and other major energy assets. Awarded in 2014 and begun in 2017, the road is now over 90 percent complete, traversing challenging terrain of swamps, creeks and thick forests.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, represented by Secretary to the State Government Dr. Benibo Anabraba, described the moment as historic, noting that families can now travel safely by road, especially during festive seasons. He commended the President and Minister for reviving the project and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government for regional development.
Umahi announced operational guidelines limiting access to between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily, with motorcycles, tricycles and heavy-duty trucks temporarily barred for safety and structural protection. He also called on the Rivers State Government to provide land for trailer parks to prevent future deterioration of the road.
The Minister revealed new project enhancements funded through savings, including solar powered streetlights, CCTV surveillance and tree planting, none of which were part of the original plan. He further announced plans for dualisation through a PPP arrangement that will introduce tolling to secure long-term maintenance. He also provided updates on the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and East–West Road, noting steady progress across all sections.
Engineering officials stressed the technical complexity of the Bodo–Bonny Road, which includes over 3km of bridges such as the 1.2km main bridge and the 502m Alpha Creek Bridge. Traditional rulers praised the development as monumental, while the Ministry confirmed that President Tinubu is expected to visit Bodo and Bonny by March next year.
