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Bodo Bonny Road Temporarily Opens, Connecting Communities And Commerce, Bringing Safe Travels And Historic Relief To Bonny Island And The Niger Delta

Published

10 months ago

December 9, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable and modern infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He disclosed this during the temporary opening of the Bodo–Bonny Road and Bridges Across the Opobo Channel in Rivers State on Monday, 8 December, 2025. It marks a historic milestone for the riverine Bonny and Ogoni Kingdoms, bringing relief to communities that have endured decades of challenging river crossings and costly helicopter trips.

President Tinubu described the road project as a testament to the Administration’s commitment to transforming the Niger Delta region. The road, spanning 37.9 kilometres and traversing challenging terrain including thick forests, swamps, and creek networks, is the first federal road to directly link the mainland to Bonny Island, home to Nigeria’s Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Plant and other major energy investments. The project, awarded on the 11th of December, 2014, commenced on the 28th of October, 2017, and is approximately 90.98% complete.

The event drew a wide array of government officials and dignitaries, including the Governor of Rivers State, members of the National Assembly (NASS), Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South South Zone, Ms. Gift Johnbull, traditional rulers, and community elders from the host communities.

The Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Similaye Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabrabawho described the day as historic, noting that families and commuters would now travel safely by road, especially during festive periods, instead of relying on hazardous waterways where dangers include strong currents and armed robbery. He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Honourable Minister for rescuing the project from years of uncertainty and reiterated the State Government’s readiness to partner with the Federal Government to ensure peace and developmental progress in the oil and gas-rich region.

Senator Barinada Mpigi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, who represents the area at the NASS, delivered a goodwill message, in which he praised the President for what he described as an unmistakable demonstration of care and commitment to the Ogoni people.

Engr. Umahi announced operational guidelines for the temporary opening, highlighting that the road would be open daily from within a specific time frame (7:00 am-7:00 pm), as motorcycles (“Okadas”) and tricycles (“Keke”) are barred for security and safety reasons. Heavy-duty trucks are also prohibited from plying the road until obstacles are removed and critical support infrastructure, including trailer parks, is provided. He emphasised that these measures are to safeguard the road and ensure its longevity.

The Minister also disclosed enhancements made possible through project savings to be added stating, “There will be installation of solar-powered streetlights with CCTV cameras for security and planting of trees” along the entire stretch—features that were not included in the original project plan. He further announced that the road will eventually be dualised through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with a toll system to ensure proper maintenance and long-term durability.

Engr. Umahi also gave insights into other key projects, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that Session 1 in Lagos is approximately 85% completed, Session 2 between Lagos and Ogun is about 40% done, and Sessions 3A and 3B in Cross River and Akwa Ibom are advancing smoothly. Preparations for Session 5 are underway, while Sessions 4A and 4B in the Ogun–Ondo axis will ultimately connect Lagos to Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and end in Cross River. He confirmed that all sections of the East–West Road are under active construction and are expected to be completed next year.

The Honourable Minister expressed appreciation to the National Assembly and the Peace Committee for their support and resilience during earlier project disputes, and credited President Tinubu for directing the Ministry to allow the contractor to complete the project despite the cost implications. He also announced that the President is expected to visit Bodo and Bonny by March next year, noting that such visits often accelerate development and uplift communities.

He concluded with a call for peace, prosperity, and lasting progress in Rivers State and the Niger Delta, urging a strong partnership between Julius Berger and the Ministry as the road reaches its final stages.

The Coordinating Director, Highways (Bridges and Design), Engr. Musa Sa’idu described the Bodo–Bonny Road as a bridge-dominated engineering landmark featuring over 3 kilometres of bridges, including nearly 1.2 km of main bridge and major structures such as the 502-metre Alpha Creek Bridge. He emphasised the technical complexity of the project, comparing it to iconic structures such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Second Niger Bridge, as well as the Third Mainland Bridge.

Earlier the Engineers’ Representative (ER), Engr. Udom Joseph, provided technical context, highlighting the road’s design, which includes flexible pavements on sand-filled embankments, rigid pavements within Bonny town, and nine mini-bridges, in addition to three major bridges. He explained that the project has undergone several technical adjustments and financial revisions to address environmental challenges, with the original completion date set for August 2022.

Also, in a Goodwill Statement, a royal representative, on behalf of the King of Gokana Kingdom praised the Minister and acknowledged the support of the Rivers State Government, Chiefs of Gokana, Bori, and the wider Ogoni and Bonny communities, describing the project as monumental in scale and of immense benefit to Rivers State and Nigeria, at large.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

18 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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