The Federal Government has officially set a new deadline for the completion of the N280billion Bodo-Bonny Road project in Rivers State, now expected to be finished by September 2025.
This follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of an upward review of the contract’s total cost, a move aimed at accelerating the project’s progress.
The revision of the contract amount and the new deadline marks a significant step in ensuring the long-awaited infrastructure is delivered.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed these developments on Monday during an inspection tour of various ongoing federal road projects in Rivers State.
While addressing stakeholders, Umahi explained that the decision to adjust the project’s contract sum came after lengthy negotiations with the contractor, Julius Berger.
“We have given Julius Berger what they want in terms of the money they are looking for. We negotiated for one year, but Berger refused to shift ground. So, we have to allow you the total amount of money you are looking for, and so we have given you the award letter. So, you have to go and sign the addendum,” Umahi stated, making it clear that after much deliberation, the contractor’s demands were met.
Umahi elaborated further, stating, “The President and the Federal Executive Council approved your request, so the project is now to a fixed contract sum of N280bn.
This is the request of Berger and Mr. President has done the request of Berger. So, Berger has to at least mobilize in at least three locations to get this job completed.”
The new deadline of September 2025 is intended to provide sufficient time for Julius Berger to complete the project while adhering to the newly approved financial terms.
The minister stressed that the federal government is taking this commitment seriously and expects the contractor to mobilize resources efficiently to meet the deadline.
“We are giving a deadline of September 2025; that is the deadline that this job should be finished,” Umahi asserted. He added that he would personally oversee progress, with two additional inspections planned before the end of 2024 to ensure the work remains on schedule.
The Bodo-Bonny Road project is of critical importance to both Rivers State and the federal government. Once completed, the road is expected to provide a major boost to the region’s infrastructure, facilitating better access to Bonny Island and significantly improving transportation for residents and businesses.
The road is also poised to unlock greater economic potential, as it will offer a direct link to Nigeria’s oil and gas industries located in Bonny, a region home to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) facility.
In highlighting the strategic value of the project, Umahi noted, “Let me say that Mr. President is very much interested in the early completion of this road and he has directed that the National Security Adviser and the Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL should do a meeting with me and the contractor, which we have done the first meeting.”
Umahi’s remarks emphasized the personal involvement of President Tinubu in ensuring that all hurdles are removed so the project can proceed without further delays.
The collaboration between the federal government, Julius Berger, and key stakeholders such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is aimed at overcoming any potential obstacles that might arise during the final stages of the project.
Umahi also commended the work that has been done so far, noting the contractor’s diligence and dedication.
He assured residents of Rivers State that once completed, the Bodo-Bonny Road will stand the test of time, offering long-term durability and a significant improvement to the region’s transportation network.
“We are confident in the quality of the work being done, and I can assure you that the road will last. It will be a durable infrastructure that the people of Rivers State and all Nigerians can be proud of,” the minister stated.
With the new financial terms in place and a firm deadline set, attention will now turn to Julius Berger’s ability to ramp up construction efforts across multiple locations.
The federal government’s commitment to overseeing the project’s completion underscores its importance not only to the people of Rivers State but also to Nigeria’s broader economic interests.
The Bodo-Bonny Road, when finished, will not only improve transportation but also provide a critical link to one of Nigeria’s most economically vital regions.
As progress continues, stakeholders and residents alike will be watching closely to ensure that the government’s promises of timely completion and high-quality infrastructure are fulfilled.
