Bodo-Bonny Celebrates Landmark Infrastructure Milestone In Road Project, Appreciates Federal Government
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure-led development following the successful delivery and continued construction of the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Project, which is now open to traffic.
The Medallion Award Ceremony was organized by the Bodo-Bonny Road & Bridges Peace Committee, which was held on Friday, 27th March 2026, at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The event brought together national leaders, whose vision and sustained commitment contributed to the delivery of this landmark infrastructure project, alongside senior government officials, traditional rulers, key stakeholders, and representatives of the Bodo-Bonny communities, in a show of broad-based support and shared national pride.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. represented the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE at the event. He conveyed the Ministry’s goodwill and reaffirmed the Renewed Hope Administration’s resolve to deliver critical infrastructure across all regions of the country.
He described the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges as a strategic economic corridor that will significantly enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and integrate coastal communities into the national economy. He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the project, noting that its delivery reflects policy continuity and a sustained national development agenda.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, as well as the technical leadership of Engr. Umahi. In addition, he commended the contractors, particularly Julius Berger (Nigeria) Plc, also recognised the support of the Nigeria LNG Limited, under the Tax Credit Scheme, all of which contributed to the successful delivery of the project.
The Minister further disclosed that approval has been granted for Phase II of the project, which is expected to commence shortly, with a view to strengthening infrastructure expansion and deepening economic linkages within the Niger Delta region.
In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, described the project as a critical national asset with significant socio-economic benefits. He emphasised the need for strong maintenance frameworks to ensure long-term sustainability and encouraged the replication of similar infrastructure initiatives nationwide.
Prof. Jasper Jumbo, Chairman of the Award Ceremony Sub-Committee, highlighted the project as a product of sustained collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and policy innovation. He noted that challenges encountered during implementation – including funding constraints, environmental considerations, and security issues – were addressed through coordinated interventions, including Executive Order 7 and the tax credit financing model.
Special recognition awards and medals were presented to key contributors to the initiation, development, and successful delivery of the project. The Awardees included His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, former Minister, Raji Fashola, the Minister of State, Muhammad Goronyo, and the Permanent Secretary, Rafiu Adeladan.
The Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Peace Committee was also commended for its pivotal role in fostering dialogue, strengthening community relations, and ensuring a conducive environment for project execution.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Elder Simialaye Young Pepple, President of the Bonny Improvement Association (Abuja Branch), expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for delivering “a long-awaited project.” He noted that the road has resolved longstanding accessibility challenges and represents a transformative development for the Bonny Kingdom.
