Celebration In Bonny & Ogoni As Tinubu Flags Off Temporary Use of Bodo–Bonny Road, Ending Decades of Difficult River Crossings
Dez Mayorz News.
A new chapter opened for Bonny Kingdom and the Ogoni axis on Monday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially flagged off the temporary use of the 37.9-kilometre Bodo–Bonny Road, bringing long-awaited relief to communities that have endured decades of tough river crossings and costly helicopter trips.
The multi-billion-naira project, awarded on December 11, 2014, and constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc since October 20, 2017, has now reached 90.98% completion.
Represented by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, President Tinubu described the road as a “flagship accomplishment” of his Renewed Hope Agenda, celebrating what he called a historic breakthrough for the people.
“The dream of the Bonny Kingdom has come true; the dream of the Bodo Kingdom has come true,” he said. “No more risky journeys across the busy Bonny River, no more expensive helicopter rides, no more hardship to reach this blessed island.”
Temporary Opening With Strict Conditions
The President announced that the road is being opened for the Yuletide to ease travel, but under restricted conditions:
Access allowed only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Only light vehicles permitted
Motorcycles, tricycles and heavy-duty trucks barred
Full completion expected by March 2026.
Senator Umahi added that night travel will remain suspended until all safety installations are in place.
Tinubu Requests Trailer Park Land to Protect the Road:
To prevent premature deterioration of the road, President Tinubu appealed to the Rivers State Government to provide 20 plots of land each in Bodo and Bonny for the development of trailer parks.
He commended Julius Berger and singled out the project manager, Mr. Tim Nippert, for his exceptional commitment.
“I have made a special commendation to Engineer Tim. If he were the Managing Director of Julius Berger, many of the conflicts we experienced elsewhere would not have occurred,”
the President remarked.
Rivers Government, National Assembly Leaders, Traditional Rulers Hail the Milestone:
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for rescuing the project from years of uncertainty.
“This may be a temporary opening, but it brings permanent joy to the people of Bonny, Bodo and Rivers State. Like Oliver Twist, we will ask for more,” he said.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, lauded the President for what he described as an unmistakable show of love to the Ogoni people.
Also present at the ceremony were SSA to the President on Community Engagement (South East), Barr. Chioma Nweze, National Assembly Committee Chairmen on Works, and traditional rulers from the host communities.
Julius Berger Confirms Delivery Timeline:
Project Manager Tim Nippert revealed that 35 kilometres of the dual carriageway are now fully motorable, assuring that the remaining sections and 11 bridges will be ready for commissioning in the first quarter of 2026.
A Landmark Link to a Strategic Economic Hub
The Bodo–Bonny Road is the first federal road to directly connect the mainland to Bonny Island, home to Nigeria LNG and other multi-billion-dollar energy investments. Its temporary opening marks a transformative step for commerce, mobility and safety in the region.
Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, praised President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment and expressed optimism that the project will finally reach completion under the current administration.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/thenationonlineng.net/breaking-tinubu-opens-bodo-bonny-road-ends-decades-of-river-helicopter-transport-travails/amp/
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