The Minister of Works, David Umahi, will on Monday, 8 December 2025, conduct a final joint inspection of the Bonny–Bodo Road project as preparations intensify for its temporary opening to the public this festive season.
This was confirmed during a meeting in Abuja between the Minister and the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Abinye Pepple, who conveyed the expectations of Bonny residents eager to see the 37.9km road briefly opened while construction progresses toward full completion and commissioning in the first quarter of 2026.
The meeting was held in response to growing public concerns over the delayed temporary opening of the long-awaited road, which links Bonny Island to Port Harcourt main town.
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Chairman Pepple used the opportunity to brief the Federal Government on the Local Government’s readiness to support a smooth and safe opening of the corridor.
Minister Umahi assured the Council Chairman of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring the temporary opening proceeds once the joint inspection, also involving project contractor Julius Berger Nigeria, confirms the road’s suitability for public use.
Originally conceived in 1978 under the Administration of Commander Alfred Diette-Spiff and later incorporated into the Rivers State master plan, the Bonny–Bodo road project gained renewed momentum in 2017 when the Federal Government, Julius Berger, and NLNG entered a tripartite Public Private Partnership to fund its construction.
According to Amb. Wisdom Chapp-Jumbo, the Chief Press Secretary, it was noted that in 2024, President Tinubu approved an additional ₦280 billion to ensure its completion after decades of stalled attempts.
Chairman Pepple extended appreciation to President Tinubu and Minister Umahi for their sustained commitment to delivering the project under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that its completion will significantly transform transportation, commerce, and security across the region.
