37.9-kilometre Bodo–Bonny Road project in Rivers State, with only minor works remaining on site, according to the project management team.
Project Manager Engr. Tim Nippert, who disclosed this Monday at Km Zero, Bodo, said the limited outstanding tasks currently being handled by the few staff on ground relate mainly to tree planting along the road corridor, the laying of streetlight foundations, and installation of poles with emphasis on the Kilometre 12 roundabout area.
“The project is completed,” Nippert stated, explaining that what is presently ongoing are the enhancement components. He maintained that the remaining works are restricted to tree planting and streetlight foundations/pole installations, noting that those are the only activities left around the Km 12 roundabout.
Bridge joints to be completed in two weeks
While confirming that construction has been largely concluded, Nippert said some joints on the Bodo–Bonny Road bridges were still being finalised. He attributed the delay to the time taken to secure missing imported materials, which, he said, have now been received.
“We have it now. We will do it within the next two weeks. Then we are done with these works,” he added.
He also pointed out that streetlight foundations have already been laid on the right-hand side approach to the Km 12 roundabout, while the left-hand side is being developed with different types of foundations, all of which road users would see on inspection.
Savings recycled to expand street lighting, beautification
The project manager further said Julius Berger delivered the project within the approved budget, despite difficult terrain and other natural challenges, and even achieved savings in the course of execution.
According to him, the savings have been deployed to support additional features such as extra street lighting and beautification efforts including tree planting, in line with directions from the ministry.
“Nigeria has remembered the communities…,” a statement in the award committee narrative had earlier captured the significance of the road’s long gestation and importance to residents and commerce. Nippert, however, specifically noted that the ministry benefits because it does not need to spend additional funds to get the expanded scope.
Umahi directs opening by end of November 2025
Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi had previously directed that the Bodo–Bonny Road be opened to users by the end of November 2025, while full completion and commissioning were expected later.
The directive followed an inspection tour by the minister in October 2025 of federal road projects across the South-South and South-East, where he assessed the level of work by Julius Berger on the critical highway.
Umahi disclosed that the project began on 20 October 2017 and had since undergone multiple cost reviews due to the demanding nature of the route. Justifying the cost, he said the contract translates to roughly ₦7.4 billion per kilometer, arguing that it was reasonable given the marshy, low-lying coastal terrain. He added that doing the project in similar conditions today could exceed ₦15 billion per kilometre.
He also ordered that barricades be removed by the end of November 2025 to allow for partial traffic flow, with monitoring continuing until final asphalt surfacing is completed.
Tinubu to commission; solar streetlights, CCTV, trees planned
Umahi further revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to commission the road, and that enhancements including solar-powered streetlights, CCTV cameras, and trees along embankments are planned. He said these would be financed from the project’s contingency funds, with no additional burden on the government.
