Author: Admin

...Gov. Fubara Hails Milestone, Seeks More Federal Support

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has temporarily opened the 37.9-kilometre Bodo–Bonny Road to light traffic, bringing an end to decades when residents of Bonny Kingdom and neighbouring Ogoni communities depended solely on river routes and helicopter services for access.

Represented by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, at the ceremonies in Bodo (Gokana LGA) and Bonny (Bonny LGA), President Tinubu described the project as a landmark deliverable under his Renewed Hope Agenda.

He declared, “The dream of the Bonny Kingdom has come true; the dream of the Bodo Kingdom has come true. No more risky journeys through the busy Bonny River, no more expensive helicopters, no more untold hardships to reach this blessed island.”

Umahi further announced that the road will, for now, operate between 7am and 7pm daily for light vehicles only, while heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and tricycles remain restricted until full completion, projected for March 2026.

President Tinubu commended Julius Berger and its Project Manager for their resolve to push through every obstacle to deliver the long-awaited road. He also called for stronger collaboration with the Rivers State Government to establish trailer parks at both the Bodo and Bonny ends, stressing that indiscriminate truck parking would not be tolerated.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for reviving the project and appealed for continued federal intervention.

“This may be a temporary opening, but it is permanent joy for the people of Bonny, Bodo and Rivers State,” he said. “Because of our natural terrain we face many challenges, and like Oliver Twist, we will continue to ask for more.”

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, lauded the President’s support for Ogoni land, promising the committee’s continued cooperation.

Julius Berger’s Project Manager, Mr. Tim Nippert, confirmed that 35km of the dual carriageway are already motorable and assured delivery of the remaining sections by the first quarter of 2026.

The Bodo–Bonny Road—featuring 11 bridges—is the first federal road to directly link the mainland to Bonny Island, home to Nigeria LNG and major oil and gas assets. Awarded on December 11, 2014 and commenced on October 20, 2017, the project is being executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.