The President inaugurated the road on Saturday, November 7, 2026, during a ceremony at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt. Government officials, traditional rulers, community representatives and other stakeholders attended the event.
The road connects Bonny Island to Bodo in Gokana Local Government Area. It also provides a direct route for people and businesses that previously depended heavily on water transportation to reach the mainland.
Although the project measures approximately 37.9 kilometres, several reports have rounded its length to 39 kilometres. Its completion marks an important development for communities that have faced transportation challenges for generations.
Bonny Island occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. It hosts major energy facilities and commercial operations. However, its geographical location has made transportation to other parts of Rivers State difficult. The new road could therefore improve access for workers, traders, investors and residents.
Bodo-Bonny Road Features Major Bridges and Engineering Works
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc handled the construction of the Bodo-Bonny Road, which required extensive engineering work because of the difficult terrain across the Niger Delta.
The project includes three major bridges across Afa Creek, the Opobo Channel and Nanabie Creek. These bridges have a combined length of approximately 2,600 metres. The road also features 10 smaller bridges measuring about 600 metres collectively.
According to the company’s Managing Director, Peer Lubasch, engineers faced significant challenges while working across the area’s marshy landscape. They introduced specialised construction methods to stabilise the ground and ensure the road could withstand the difficult environmental conditions.
The construction involved approximately 3.5 million cubic metres of sand, 10 million linear metres of prefabricated vertical drains and one million square metres of geotextile materials.
Lubasch described the project as a historic achievement that fulfilled a vision that had remained unrealised for more than four decades. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Government, Nigeria LNG Limited, the Rivers State Government and other stakeholders.
The company temporarily opened the road to traffic during the 2025 festive period before completing the major construction work between May and June 2026.
Beyond its engineering significance, the road is expected to improve transportation safety and reduce residents’ dependence on boats and other water transport services. It could also make it easier to move agricultural produce, industrial materials and other goods between Bonny Island and the mainland.
Furthermore, improved road access could strengthen trade, support local businesses and help communities reach healthcare facilities, markets and other essential services.
Umahi Announces Extension to East-West Road
Meanwhile, Minister of Works David Umahi announced another development during the commissioning ceremony. He disclosed that President Tinubu had approved an additional 8.9-kilometre dual carriageway extension to connect the Bodo-Bonny Road directly to the East-West Road.
According to the minister, the extension will translate into 17.8 kilometres of road construction using reinforced concrete pavement technology.
Umahi explained that the additional project would strengthen transportation links across the region. It would also improve access for businesses and communities along the corridor.
The minister further disclosed that the average construction cost stood at approximately ₦7.4 billion per kilometre, reflecting the extensive engineering requirements and bridge infrastructure involved in the project.
The proposed extension is expected to strengthen the benefits of the newly commissioned highway by connecting it to a wider road network. However, its full impact will depend on the completion of the additional construction work.
With the commissioning, Bonny Island now has its first permanent road connection to the mainland. The development could reshape transportation, commercial activities and access to essential services across the area.
For residents and businesses, the next major milestone will be the delivery of the approved East-West Road extension, which could further improve connectivity across Rivers State and neighbouring communities.