The Federal Government of Nigeria has set a new completion deadline of September 2025 for the N280 billion Bodo-Bonny Road project, which is currently under construction in Rivers State. This renewed timeline comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a revised fixed contract sum for the project, responding to expectations for accelerated progress on the road. The announcement was made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during an inspection visit where he provided updates on the ongoing federal road projects in the region. The government’s commitment to advancing infrastructure development in Rivers State is clearly underscored by the urgency behind the project’s completion.
During the inspection, Minister Umahi revealed that the approval of the increased contract value followed extensive negotiations with Julius Berger, the company spearheading the construction. Despite a year of discussions, the contractor remained firm on the financial demands necessary for completing the road. In response to this insistence, the government granted the requested contract sum, firmly stating that Julius Berger must now fulfill the project specifications. Umahi reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the construction process and emphasized the government’s commitment to monitoring progress closely as construction advances.
The agreed-upon fixed contract sum of N280 billion reflects both the government’s willingness to invest in vital infrastructure and Julius Berger’s insistence on adequate funding for timely completion. Umahi outlined the next steps in the contractual process, indicating that the contractor must sign an addendum to formalize the agreement. He urged Julius Berger to mobilize resources and personnel at three separate locations to ensure effective work progress. The Minister is expected to conduct further inspections, two of which are scheduled before the end of 2024, to ensure that the project adheres to its revised timeline and specifications.
A key directive from President Tinubu emphasizes his personal interest in expediting the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road, highlighting the broader strategy of enhancing infrastructure across Nigeria. In alignment with this goal, meetings between the President, the National Security Adviser, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Minister Umahi, and the contractor have already been convened to discuss the project’s progress. The collaborative efforts between government officials and the contractor signify the critical nature of the Bodo-Bonny Road as a vital transportation link for economic development in the region.
Minister Umahi also took the opportunity to commend Julius Berger for the work completed thus far on the project, acknowledging the impressive efforts already made. He assured the people of Rivers State that the completed road would boast a robust lifespan of 50 to 100 years, thus minimizing the need for future maintenance or reconstruction. This promise underscores the government’s commitment not just to immediate infrastructural projects but to building sustainable and long-lasting solutions that benefit local communities.
In conclusion, the commitment shown by the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to allocate the necessary funds and establish a definitive timeline for the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road symbolizes a significant step in addressing infrastructure challenges in Nigeria. With oversight from Minister Umahi and periodic inspections, the government is taking active measures to monitor progress and ensure that the road is completed within the stipulated timeline. The intertwined efforts of government officials and the contractor highlight a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the nation’s transportation infrastructure, ultimately contributing to the economic development and betterment of the lives of citizens in Rivers State and beyond.
