The Federal Government has approved a N150bn extension of the Bodo-Bonny Road project in Rivers State, as part of a broader push to deliver what it describes as smart, durable, and economically impactful infrastructure.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that the project, to be executed under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement, has received presidential approval and will be presented to the Federal Executive Council for ratification.
According to the minister, the extension will utilise reinforced concrete technology designed to last between 50 and 100 years, significantly reducing maintenance costs while delivering long-term economic value.
He said the initiative reflects a shift from conventional road construction to modern, technology-driven infrastructure capable of supporting national development.
The project forms part of the infrastructure agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in public works.
Beyond the road expansion, the government unveiled plans to transform major highways into smart economic corridors. These include the installation of solar-powered street lighting, large-scale tree planting, and digital monitoring systems to improve safety, environmental sustainability, and economic activity along key routes.
Umahi also announced plans to deploy Closed-Circuit Television cameras across major highways, supported by monitoring centres to enhance security and emergency response times, with a target of responding to incidents within 10 minutes.
The project design will further incorporate rest areas, service stations, and operational hubs to support maintenance and improve user experience. In addition, truck parking facilities are to be integrated into the corridor to ease congestion and improve logistics efficiency, with ongoing consultations with host communities to secure land.
The minister said contractors have been directed to channel cost savings into value-adding components such as solar lighting and landscaping, while maintaining strict adherence to project specifications.
He added that the government has set a firm completion timeline of 12 months from the date of award, with measures in place to prevent cost overruns.
The Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, Adeleye Falade, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and cleaner energy solutions during discussions with the ministry. He highlighted efforts to promote low-carbon transport, including the development of Compressed Natural Gas-powered vessels.
The Bodo-Bonny Road remains a critical infrastructure linking Bonny Island—home to major oil and gas assets—to the mainland. For decades, limited road access has constrained economic activity in the area, with movement largely dependent on waterways.
The extension project, alongside its smart infrastructure features, is expected to enhance connectivity, improve logistics, and stimulate economic growth in the region.
The government’s renewed emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships is also seen as a strategy to address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit by leveraging private sector funding and expertise.
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