President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the temporary opening of the 37.9-kilometre Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridge project, ending decades of difficult river crossings and costly helicopter trips for residents of Bonny Island.
The multi-billion-naira infrastructure, awarded on 11 December 2014 and commenced on 20 October 2017, was executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. The colourful ceremony was attended by federal and state officials, lawmakers, and traditional rulers.
Represented by Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, President Tinubu described the project as a key achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda, delivering lasting infrastructure to the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. He noted that communities in Bonny and Bodo kingdoms will no longer face the hazards and expenses previously associated with accessing the island.
The President directed that the road be open for vehicular movement only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with a total ban on heavy-duty trucks and night travel until full completion targeted for March 2026.
He urged the Rivers State Government to provide 20 plots of land each at Bodo and Bonny ends for the construction of trailer parks to prevent roadside parking by heavy vehicles that could damage the new road.
Also see: PETROAN Hails Commissioning of Bonny–Port Harcourt Road
Senate Committee on Works Chairman, Senator Barinada Mpigi, commended the President for prioritising the project and pledged continued support from Ogoni and Bonny people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, expressed gratitude for completing the hitherto abandoned project and appealed for more federal interventions in Rivers State.
Julius Berger confirmed 35 kilometres are ready, with overall completion at 90.98 percent, assuring final handover in the first quarter of 2026.
