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By Uche Usim
The long-awaited Bodo–Bonny Road in Rivers State has been completed, with only minor finishing works left before full delivery, the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has confirmed.
Project Manager, Engr. Tim Nippert, disclosed on Monday that the 37.9-kilometre road project is now structurally complete, with workers currently focused on landscaping and installation of streetlight infrastructure. Speaking at the project office at Km Zero in Bodo, Nippert said ongoing activities include tree planting along the corridor and laying foundations for streetlights, particularly around the Kilometre 12 roundabout.
According to him, the remaining works are minimal and expected to be concluded within two weeks. He added that bridge joint installations are also being finalised following delays caused by previously unavailable imported materials.
Despite the challenging terrain, Nippert noted that the project was delivered within the approved budget, with cost savings now being deployed to enhance the road with additional features such as street lighting and beautification.
“We made some savings from the contract, and the ministry approved their use for streetlights and landscaping. This means the government does not need to spend extra funds,” he said.
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The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, had earlier directed that the road be opened to traffic by November 2025, following an inspection tour of federal projects in the South-South and South-East regions. He described the project cost—estimated at about N7.4 billion per kilometre—as reasonable, given the difficult coastal terrain and engineering complexity involved.
Umahi also confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to commission the road upon full completion. He noted that additional features, including solar-powered streetlights, CCTV cameras, and landscaping, would be delivered using existing project funds.
Awarded in October 2017, the Bodo–Bonny Road is considered a landmark infrastructure project, providing the first direct road link between Bonny Island and the mainland. The project is expected to boost economic activities, improve connectivity, and enhance security across the Niger Delta.
The road construction involved extensive engineering work across marshy and swampy terrain, including major bridges such as the 750-metre Opobo Channel bridge, as well as the Afa Creek and Nanabie Creek bridges.
Partly funded by Nigeria LNG Limited under a public-private partnership arrangement, the project has been described as a model for infrastructure financing in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has approved Phase Two of the project, aimed at further strengthening connectivity and economic development in the region. Officials say work on the next phase is expected to commence soon.
