The multi-billion-naira project—awarded on December 11, 2014, and begun on October 20, 2017, by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc—is now 90.98 per cent completed.
Gatekeepers News reports that represented by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, at the ceremony on both the Bodo and Bonny ends of the road, President Tinubu described the project as a milestone achievement under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The dream of the Bonny Kingdom has come true; the dream of the Bodo Kingdom has come true,” the President said. “No more risky journeys through the busy Bonny River, no more expensive helicopters, no more untold hardships to reach this blessed island.”
He announced that, for now, the road would be open only to light vehicles between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily, while heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and tricycles remain barred until full completion, projected for March 2026.
President Tinubu commended Julius Berger and the project manager for their dedication.
“I have made a commendation to Julius Berger, especially Engineer Tim. I think if Engineer Tim were the Managing Director of Julius Berger, we wouldn’t have had all the fights we had in so many places,” he said.
He further appealed to the Rivers State Government to provide 20 plots of land at each end—in Bodo and Bonny—for the construction of trailer parks, warning that indiscriminate truck parking could damage the new road.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, praised President Tinubu’s commitment to the Ogoni people and pledged continued support.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, thanked the President for reviving the long-stalled project.
“This is the temporary opening of the Bonny–Bodo Road, but Mr President, it is a permanent joy for the people of Bonny, Bodo and Rivers State. Like Oliver Twist, we will ask for more,” he said.
Julius Berger’s Project Manager, Mr. Tim Nippert, confirmed that 35 kilometres of the dual carriageway are fully motorable and assured that the remaining sections would be delivered in the first quarter of 2026.
The Bodo–Bonny Road, which features 11 bridges, is the first federal road to connect the mainland directly to Bonny Island—home to Nigeria LNG and other multi-billion-dollar investments.
