Tinubu Approves ₦150bn Bonny Link Road Expansion as FG Moves to Boost Niger Delta Connectivity
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has approved the dualisation of a critical road linking Bodo-Bonny to the East-West Road in Rivers State, in a move aimed at unlocking economic activities and strengthening transport infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a high-level meeting in Abuja with the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Adeleye Falade.
According to a statement signed by Francis Nwaze, the minister disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the construction of the 8.9-kilometre dual carriageway, which will feature modern infrastructure, including flyovers, solar-powered lighting, and surveillance systems.
Speaking during the engagement, Umahi said the project would be executed using concrete technology to ensure durability and long-term value.
“The President has graciously approved the 8.9km dualised road on concrete with two flyovers. We are working with existing contractors on site to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness,” he said.
He added that the project, estimated at about ₦150 billion due to the challenging terrain, will also incorporate CCTV monitoring systems, rest points, and environmental enhancements such as tree planting.
Umahi further revealed that savings from the already completed Bodo-Bonny Road project have been reinvested into upgrading the corridor.
“We made some savings from the Bodo-Bonny project and directed that they be used for solar lighting and environmental improvements along the axis,” he noted.
The minister emphasized that the Tinubu administration is prioritizing infrastructure that guarantees longevity and safety, noting that new road projects are being designed to last between 50 and 100 years with minimal maintenance.
“For the first time, you see roads built with solar lights to support night travel, boost commercial activity, and improve safety. We are also mapping out CCTV deployment to ensure rapid response within minutes,” Umahi added.
Earlier, Falade expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support, particularly on the completed Bodo-Bonny Road, which he said has significantly transformed movement and economic activities in the area.
“The road has changed a lot of things about activities on Bonny Island. A journey that used to take about four hours now takes just one and a half hours,” he said.
He also reaffirmed NLNG’s readiness to support the new phase of the project, describing the planned connection to the East-West Road as critical to maximizing the benefits of the existing infrastructure.
“We are grateful for the consideration of the 8.9km link road and remain ready to collaborate in delivering this next phase,” Falade added.
The new approval is expected to further enhance connectivity between Bonny Island and mainland transport networks, while supporting industrial growth, oil and gas operations, and broader economic development in the Niger Delta region.
