The Federal Government on Monday temporarily opened the Bodo–Bonny Road and Bridges in Rivers State, creating the first-ever road link between Bonny Island and the Nigerian mainland after decades of reliance on boat travel and helicopter shuttles.
The 37.9-kilometre project, now 90.98% completed, was opened by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Umahi said the development marks a major milestone under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrates its commitment to upgrading critical national infrastructure.
The road, first awarded in 2014 and constructed across difficult terrains of swamps, creeks and thick forests, connects the Ogoni axis to Bonny Island, which hosts the Nigeria LNG plant and other major oil and gas installations.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, described the opening as “historic,” noting that residents will now enjoy safer and cheaper travel, especially during festive seasons when waterways are often dangerous due to strong currents and security threats.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, commended President Tinubu for what he called a clear demonstration of commitment to the Bonny and Ogoni people.
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Umahi announced temporary operating guidelines restricting movement on the road to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, with motorcycles, tricycles and heavy-duty trucks barred for safety and structural reasons until additional infrastructure such as trailer parks is completed. He also said project savings will be used to install solar-powered streetlights, CCTV cameras and trees along the road.
Giving updates on other national projects, Umahi said Section 1 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is 85% completed, Section 2 between Lagos and Ogun is at 40%, while Sections 3A and 3B in Akwa Ibom and Cross River are progressing. He added that all sections of the East–West Road are under active construction and scheduled for completion next year.
The Coordinating Director of Highways (Bridges and Design), Engr. Musa Sa’idu, described the Bodo–Bonny Road as an engineering landmark featuring over 3 km of bridges, including the 502-metre Alpha Creek Bridge. Engineers’ Representative, Engr. Udom Joseph, said the project includes flexible pavements on sand-filled embankments, rigid pavements in Bonny town, nine mini-bridges and three major bridges.
Traditional rulers from Gokana and Bonny Kingdoms also welcomed the development, describing it as a significant boost to commerce and connectivity in the Niger Delta.
