Minister Nyesom Wike Commends Tinubu and David Umahi Over Strategic Opening of Bodo–Bonny Road Maritime Bypass
The temporary opening of the Bodo–Bonny Road marks a milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed formal appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, following the temporary opening of the Bodo–Bonny section of the East–West Road. Speaking during a high-profile "thank-you" visit to Bonny Island on Thursday, January 8, 2026, Wike characterised the infrastructure as a "world-class" achievement that concludes decades of travel hardship for the region.
Ending Decades of Maritime Risk
The Bodo–Bonny Road, a 37.9-kilometre stretch featuring 11 bridges, provides the first-ever land connection between the Nigerian mainland and Bonny Island a critical global hub for the oil and gas industry and host to the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) plant. Prior to this development, residents and investors relied exclusively on maritime transport or costly helicopter services.
Wike noted that the completion of this corridor was a core pillar of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He recalled the historical difficulties associated with maritime travel to the island, citing tide-dependent schedules and security risks.
“Before now, travelling to Bonny was always a challenge. But as we came in today by road, I gave glory to God,” the Minister stated. He commended the quality of the engineering, executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, and praised Minister Umahi for translating the federal vision into a tangible reality.
Operational Guidelines and Completion Timeline
While the road is now accessible, the Federal Ministry of Works has implemented specific operational conditions to preserve the integrity of the unfinished sections.
Permitted Vehicles: The road is currently open only to light vehicles.
Prohibited Traffic: Heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles ("Okadas"), and tricycles ("Kekes") are strictly barred.
Curfew: Vehicular movement is restricted to the hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily; night travel remains prohibited for security and safety reasons.
The Federal Government targets March 2026 for the final completion of the project. Future enhancements announced by the Ministry include solar-powered streetlights, CCTV surveillance, and the eventual dualisation of the corridor through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework involving a tolling system for sustainable maintenance.
Political Context and Call for Unity
During the visit, which served to acknowledge the support of Bonny residents during the 2023 general elections, Wike addressed the current political climate in Rivers State. He urged the people to prioritise visible infrastructure over political rhetoric, asserting that the Bodo–Bonny Road serves as evidence of the administration's commitment.
"We had no written agreement with Mr President. The only assurance he gave us was that if we supported him, we would not do so in vain. Today, this Bonny road speaks for itself," Wike remarked. He also called for unity among local leaders, including the Chairman of the Bonny Local Government Council, Hon. Abinye Pepple, emphasizing that internal disagreements should not hinder regional development.
Stakeholder Reactions
Local political figures echoed the Minister’s sentiments. The member representing Bonny/Degema Federal Constituency, Hon. Cyril Hart, and the political leader of Bonny, Chief George Tolofari, both reaffirmed their constituency’s loyalty to the FCT Minister and the federal administration. They described the road as a "permanent joy" for the people of Bonny and the Ogoni kingdoms.
Conclusion
The temporary opening of the Bodo–Bonny Road marks a milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape, integrating a vital economic island into the national road network. As the project nears its final handover in the first quarter of 2026, its impact is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs for the energy sector and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of residents. The focus now shifts to the Ministry of Works to ensure that the final 10% of construction meets the April 2026 deadline for the remaining flyovers and bridges.
