Yuletide: Tinubu Lauds Julius Berger, Orders Opening of Bodo Bonny Road

Yuletide: Tinubu Lauds Julius Berger, Orders Opening of Bodo Bonny Road
Laud Julius Berger for the quality of work delivered
Umahi outlined conditions for the temporary use of the road

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the quality and extent of work on the 35.7km Bodo Bonny Road project, assuring Nigerians that the completed road will enhance safety and ease of travel.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the President gave the commendation through the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during the temporary opening of the road to ease transportation for residents of communities along the route during the Yuletide season.

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Umahi said the project had faced delays and challenges over the years but noted that cooperation from host communities and sustained commitment by the contractor had brought the road to a critical milestone.

He explained that the temporary opening followed a directive from President Tinubu to allow residents of Bodo and the Kingdom of Bonny enjoy improved movement during the festive period.

“The President said to me, ‘I want to see a different festive mood there,’ and directed that this road be temporarily opened for the use of Nigerians,” Umahi said.

The Minister stressed that the opening was strictly temporary, adding that the President would personally commission the road upon full completion.

Yuletide: Tinubu Lauds Julius Berger, Orders Opening of Bodo Bonny Road

“I know the Niger Delta people are expecting the President next year, and he will come to commission this road for the convenience, safety and economic benefit of the people and Nigeria at large,” he said.

Umahi outlined conditions for the temporary use of the road, including daily operation between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., with no night travel permitted.

He said heavy vehicles would not be allowed on the route until construction was fully completed, noting that concrete obstacles still remained in place.

According to him, the restrictions were necessary to prevent breakdowns and damage while work continues. He directed Julius Berger to mount roadblocks to prevent the passage of heavy-duty vehicles.

“No okada or keke will be allowed on this route for now,” Umahi added.

He praised Julius Berger for the quality of work delivered, describing the current project team as responsive, professional and cooperative.

“Julius Berger has done very beautiful work here. Many thanks to Engineer Tim Nippert and the Managing Director, Peer. They are very amenable to instructions, dialogue and attention to detail,” he said.

Umahi also tasked the company with additional works ahead of final completion, including planting two rows of trees at intervals of 10 metres along both sides of the road and installing solar-powered street lights at 30 metre intervals.

“These must be completed before the final delivery of the project,” he said.

Earlier, the Project Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engineer Tim Nippert, traced the long journey of the project, attributing recent progress to cooperation from the Federal Ministry of Works and host communities.

Goodwill messages were delivered by members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers from affected communities and representatives of the Rivers State Government, including the Secretary to the State Government, who commended the Federal Government and Julius Berger for delivering the project.