Umahi Says President Tinubu Will Return for Full Commissioning After Completion
The Federal Government has approved the temporary opening of the Bodo–Bonny Road to improve transportation and ease movement for residents of Rivers State during the yuletide season.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this known during the temporary opening of the road, which is intended to provide relief to communities along the route during the festive period.
The President described the project as a long and challenging journey marked by delays and setbacks but praised the patience and cooperation of host communities, which he said made it possible to reach the current milestone.
He also commended Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the quality and scale of work carried out on the 35.7-kilometre Bodo–Bonny Road, expressing confidence that Nigerians would be proud to use the road once fully completed.
“At the end of this project, Nigerians will feel safer and more confident plying this legacy road,” the President said.
Explaining the decision to allow temporary access, the President said he wanted residents of Bodo and the Bonny Kingdom to experience a different festive atmosphere this year.
“I want to see a different festive mood in Bodo and in the Kingdom of Bonny. That is why I directed that this route be temporarily opened for the good use of Nigerians during the yuletide,” he said.
Umahi stressed that the opening is strictly temporary, noting that the official commissioning will be carried out by President Tinubu after the project’s full completion.
“I know that the Niger Delta people are expecting the President next year. He will come to commission this road for the convenience, safety, and economic benefit of the people and the nation at large,” the minister said.
He outlined strict conditions for the temporary use of the road, stating that it will be open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with no night travel permitted.
According to him, heavy-duty vehicles will not be allowed, as concrete barriers are still in place, while motorcycles and tricycles are also prohibited to prevent accidents and breakdowns while construction continues.
Umahi directed Julius Berger to mount roadblocks to enforce the restrictions, warning that the measures are necessary to protect the integrity of the road until final completion.
The minister again praised Julius Berger for its professionalism and responsiveness, singling out the company’s management and project leadership for commendation.
“You have done very beautiful work. I must thank Engineer Tim Nippert and the Managing Director, Peer. They are very open to dialogue, instructions, and attention to detail,” he said.
Umahi further tasked the construction firm with additional work ahead of final completion, including tree planting along both sides of the road and the installation of solar-powered streetlights at 30-metre intervals.
Earlier, the Project Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Tim Nippert, recounted the long journey of the project, attributing the progress achieved so far to cooperation from the Ministry of Works and host communities.
He assured stakeholders of the company’s commitment to delivering the road to the highest standards upon completion.
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