Queen Kunde
The long-awaited Bodo-Bonny Road in Rivers State has finally been completed, marking a major milestone for the Niger Delta and ending decades of isolation for Bonny Island.
The 37.9-kilometre road project, constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has been declared completed by the company’s Project Manager, Engr. Tim Nippert.
Speaking at the project office in Bodo on Monday, Nippert said only minor finishing works remain, including tree planting, installation of streetlight foundations and poles, and completion of a few bridge joints.
“The project is completed,” he said. “What is outstanding now is tree planting and streetlight foundations, especially around the kilometre 12 roundabout. Those are the only things left to do.”
According to him, some bridge joints are also being finalized after delayed delivery of imported materials needed for the work.
“We have the materials now and the work will be completed within the next two weeks,” he added.
Nippert revealed that despite the difficult terrain, swamps, and tidal challenges encountered during construction, Julius Berger delivered the project within the approved budget and even generated savings.
The savings, he explained, are being used to fund additional features such as streetlights and beautification works without requiring extra government spending.
“From the contract sum, we made some savings and the ministry asked us to provide streetlights and tree planting. The government does not need to spend more money,” he said.
The Bodo-Bonny Road is the first-ever road connection linking Bonny Island to the rest of Rivers State, opening up one of Nigeria’s most important industrial and oil and gas hubs to easier movement of people and goods.
The project, which began on October 20, 2017, took nearly eight years to complete due to its challenging coastal environment. It includes major bridges across Afa Creek, Nanabie Creek, and the Opobo Channel, as well as extensive dredging and soil stabilization works.
During an inspection visit last year, Minister of Works David Umahi praised the quality of construction and described the project as a worthwhile investment given the difficult terrain.
He also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu is expected to commission the road and announced plans for solar-powered streetlights, CCTV cameras, and landscaping along the route.
In another major development, the Federal Government has approved Phase Two of the Bodo-Bonny Road project.
Umahi, represented by Minister of State for Works Bello Goronyo at a recent award ceremony in Abuja, described the road as “a bridge to opportunity” that will boost commerce, improve security, and connect coastal communities to the mainland.
For residents of Bonny and surrounding communities, the completion of the road represents more than infrastructure—it is the realization of a dream that has lasted for decades and a new chapter for economic growth in the Niger Delta.