Julius Berger Completes Landmark Bodo-Bonny Road, Tinubu Approves Phase Two
After nearly a decade of construction across some of Nigeria’s most challenging terrain, the historic Bodo-Bonny Road project in Rivers State has been completed, opening a new chapter for connectivity, commerce and economic growth in the Niger Delta.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the contractor handling the 37.9-kilometre road, announced that all major construction works have been concluded, with only finishing touches such as tree planting, streetlight installations and bridge expansion joint works remaining.
Project Manager, Engr. Tim Nippert, disclosed that the outstanding works are expected to be completed within the next two weeks.
“The project is completed. What remains are tree planting, streetlight foundations and pole installations, particularly around the kilometre 12 roundabout,” he said.
According to Nippert, Julius Berger delivered the project within the approved budget despite the difficult swampy terrain and generated savings that are now being used to fund additional features, including streetlights and landscaping, at no extra cost to government.
The road, which commenced on 20 October 2017, provides the first-ever direct road link between Bonny Island and the rest of Rivers State, ending decades of isolation for one of Nigeria’s most strategic industrial hubs.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, had earlier praised the quality of work on the project, describing it as a remarkable engineering achievement considering the challenging coastal environment.
He noted that the project traverses marshlands, creeks and tidal zones and would cost significantly more if awarded today.
The road includes two mini bridges, two major creek bridges spanning more than one kilometre combined, and a 750-metre bridge across the Opobo Channel.
Extensive dredging and specialised soil stabilisation techniques were deployed during construction.
In another major development, President Bola Tinubu has approved Phase Two of the Bodo-Bonny Road project.
Speaking through the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, Umahi said preparations for the next phase have already commenced, describing the road as a critical infrastructure asset that will boost commerce, enhance security and strengthen economic integration across the Niger Delta.
He said the road is more than a transport corridor, calling it “a bridge to opportunity, a lifeline for commerce and a symbol of national cohesion.”
The project also stands out as a successful public-private partnership, with Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) contributing 50 per cent of the funding.
For residents and businesses on Bonny Island, the completion of the road marks the fulfilment of a long-awaited dream and a transformative step towards greater economic prosperity in the region.
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