Historic Relief for Bonny Communities as Tinubu Partially Opens Bodo

Historic Relief for Bonny Communities as Tinubu Partially Opens Bodo–Bonny Highway
Senator David Umahi described the project as a flagship achievement of his Renewed Hope Agenda
Tinubu commended Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and its project team

President Bola Tinubu has temporarily opened the 37.9-kilometre Bodo–Bonny Road to public use, creating the first-ever direct federal road connection between Bodo in Gokana LGA and Bonny Island in Bonny LGA, Rivers State.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the partial opening marks a major milestone for communities that have depended for decades on hazardous boat travel and costly air transport to access Bonny Island, home to Nigeria LNG and several multi-billion-dollar oil and gas facilities.

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Speaking during the ceremony on Monday, President Tinubu represented by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi described the project as a flagship achievement of his Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that the road will operate on restricted hours, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, beginning December 8, pending full completion and commissioning in the first quarter of 2026.

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

He emphasised that only light vehicles would be allowed during the temporary opening, while heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and tricycles remain barred until the project is fully completed, targeted for March 2026.

Tinubu commended Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and its project team for the progress achieved so far and urged the Rivers State Government to collaborate in providing 20 plots of land at both ends of the road for trailer parks. He warned that indiscriminate parking by trucks would not be tolerated, citing potential damage to the infrastructure.

Historic Relief for Bonny Communities as Tinubu Partially Opens Bodo–Bonny Highway

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, thanked the President for reviving and sustaining the project, describing the opening as “permanent joy” for residents of Bonny, Bodo and the entire state.

“We thank you for what you are doing for the people of the Niger Delta. Because of our natural environment, we face different obstacles, and like Oliver Twist, we will ask for more,” he said.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, also praised the President’s commitment and pledged continued support. Similarly, Julius Berger’s Project Manager, Tim Nippert, confirmed that 35 kilometres of the highway are fully motorable, assuring that all outstanding sections and bridges will be delivered within the first quarter of 2026.

The Bodo–Bonny Road, which includes 11 bridges, is Nigeria’s first federal road linking the mainland directly to Bonny Island. Awarded on December 11, 2014, and with construction beginning on October 20, 2017, the project valued in billions of naira is being executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.