₦7.4bn/km Coastal road project completed in Rivers State — Julius Berger

The 37.9-kilometre Bodo–Bonny Road project in Rivers State has been declared completed by the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, marking a major milestone in one of Nigeria’s most technically challenging infrastructure projects.

The Project Manager, Engr. Tim Nippert, announced the completion on Monday, stating that only minor finishing works remain, including tree planting, streetlight installations, and foundation works at specific locations such as the Km 12 roundabout.

According to him, the core engineering and construction work on the road and bridges has been concluded, with outstanding tasks limited to beautification and finishing touches.

> “The project is completed. What’s outstanding now is only tree planting and streetlight foundations as well as pole installations… Those are the only things we have to do,” he said.

He explained that remaining bridge joint works were being finalized after delays caused by missing imported materials, adding that all outstanding works would be completed within weeks.

Nippert also noted that savings from the project’s contract sum were being reinvested into additional infrastructure such as solar-powered streetlights and environmental beautification.

The Bodo–Bonny Road, constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is regarded as one of the most complex road projects in the country due to its swampy terrain, tidal movements, and extensive marine crossings.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, had earlier directed that the road be opened to traffic by the end of November 2025, with full commissioning expected afterward. He also highlighted that the project cost, estimated at about ₦7.4 billion per kilometre, reflected the difficult coastal conditions.

Umahi also noted that the project had undergone several cost reviews since its commencement in October 2017, adding that if executed under current conditions, it could exceed ₦15 billion per kilometre.

The road features multiple major engineering structures, including:

Afa Creek Bridge (about 530m)

Nanabie Creek Bridge (about 640m)

A major river bridge over the Opobo Channel (about 750m)

It also includes extensive dredging and soil stabilisation works due to the swampy terrain.

The project is being jointly financed, with 50% funding support from Nigeria LNG Limited, making it a landmark public-private infrastructure partnership.

Officials say the road will significantly improve connectivity between Bonny Island and the mainland, boost commerce in the Niger Delta, and reduce logistical and security challenges in the region.

The Federal Government has also approved Phase 2 of the project, with plans already underway to extend development works further into surrounding communities.