Wike Praises Tinubu, Umahi for Delivering Bodo–Bonny Road Project

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has applauded President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for completing the long-awaited Bodo–Bonny Road, describing the project as a decades-old aspiration that has finally been fulfilled.

Wike made the remarks on Thursday during a thank-you visit to Bonny Local Government Area in Rivers State, where he reflected on the long history of unfulfilled promises surrounding the road’s construction.

According to him, the Bodo–Bonny corridor had for years been treated as a political pledge repeatedly made by successive administrations but never delivered. He said the current administration distinguished itself by completing the project without public pressure or agitation.

He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritising the project and commended Dave Umahi for ensuring its execution, noting that the road stands as tangible evidence of the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.

Wike also recounted the difficulties residents and visitors previously faced when travelling to Bonny, particularly during political engagements. He described the journey as risky and uncertain, often dependent on tides and weather conditions, with access largely limited to boats or helicopters.

He noted that the completion of the road has eliminated those challenges, significantly improving safety, accessibility, and connectivity for the island community. According to him, the ease of access now enjoyed by residents underscores why the project has generated widespread appreciation in the area.

The Bodo–Bonny Road spans approximately 37.9 kilometres and was temporarily opened in December 2025. The government placed restrictions on night travel and heavy-duty vehicles pending final works, which are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.

President Tinubu, speaking through the Minister of Works during the project’s opening, described the road as a major achievement under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He said the project marked the fulfilment of a long-held dream for both the Bonny and Bodo communities, ending years of hazardous travel and high transportation costs.

The President added that the road would enhance economic activity, improve living conditions, and strengthen integration between coastal communities and the rest of the state.