The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated N280 billion to complete the Bodo-Bonny Road project, aiming to resolve long-standing transportation issues in the South South region.
During an inspection visit on June 19, 2024, Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, emphasized the December 2024 completion deadline for contractor Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Minister Umahi expressed concerns over the project’s administration by Julius Berger, insisting that the financial outlay must align with the progress on the ground. “No additional funds will be approved for this project.
It’s a final lump sum completion package,” he stated. He urged the contractor to ensure timely delivery, adding, “It has been 11 years, and we don’t want it to exceed this year. It is in your interest to cooperate.”
The minister also questioned Julius Berger about any further support needed to expedite the project, asking, “Is there anything that the Minister of Works and NLNG can do to fast track this engagement so that we can meet the December 15, 2024 deadline?”
The project, crucial for enhancing the socio-economic prospects of Bodo and Bonny communities in Rivers State, has seen numerous delays and financial reviews over the years. The latest funding aims to bring the project to completion without further variations in cost.
Minister Umahi also addressed issues with RCC, the contractor handling the 15km stretch of the East West Road from Port Harcourt Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction. He criticized the company for delaying the project despite receiving mobilization funds and warned against any requests for price variations.
“We are very sad with the behavior of this contractor, RCC. The federal government has paid over N40 billion on this project, and not even one kilometer has been completed,” he lamented.
Umahi announced plans to source interim funds to maintain the road pending RCC’s remobilization. “We need to maintain the road. We need to pity the people. It’s not acceptable what our people are passing through due to RCC’s excuses.”
Other projects inspected by the minister included the dualization of the East-West road section II (subsection II) (Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States) by Setraco Nigeria Ltd, and the construction of multiple box culverts at flood-damaged locations along the same road by Rock Result Nigeria Ltd.
Senator Onyekachi Peter Nwaebonyi, Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, and Professor Jasper Jumbo, spokesperson for the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee, praised President Tinubu’s administration for its dedication to improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure. “This is one of them, the Bodo-Bonny Road. I believe with constant supervision, the contractors will deliver on time,” Nwaebonyi remarked.
Dienye Godson, NLNG’s Government Relations Manager, also expressed gratitude to the president and his team for their commitment to the project. “We are happy with the efforts put in. We will go through our internal processes to support the government fully,” Godson said.
Julius Berger’s project manager assured full commitment to the project’s timely completion. “We will expedite the re-mobilization of this project to ensure we meet the December deadline,” he affirmed.
