Niger Delta community backs Tinubu’s re-election over 38-year-old Bodo-Bonny road project completion
The Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Peace Committee has called for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, citing his administration’s intervention in delivering the long-delayed Bodo-Bonny Road project and approving
- ...honours Tinubu, Umahi, Goronyo
- By Dele Anofi Abuja
The Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Peace Committee has called for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election in 2027, citing his administration’s intervention in delivering the long-delayed Bodo-Bonny Road project and approving its second phase.
This development comes as the Bodo-Bonny community honoured the President and his Works Ministers with awards, citing what it described as patriotism, fairness, and the resolve to take difficult decisions in delivering infrastructure across the country, regardless of location or affiliation.
At the Medallion Award ceremony organised by the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Peace Committee in Abuja on Friday, the committee said the President’s decision to prioritise the project, accommodate cost variations, and approve its expansion reflects a commitment to infrastructure delivery and coastal development.
The Medallion Award ceremony, held in celebration of the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges project, was organised by the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Peace Committee to honour President Tinubu and other key stakeholders for their contributions to the realisation of the critical 38-year-old project.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the award ceremony sub-committee, Prof. Jasper Jumbo, said the recognition of the President became necessary because the project, conceived over three decades ago, had faced multiple setbacks, including funding constraints, design disputes, and community challenges, before recent progress under the current administration.
He said, "President Bola Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Energizer, graciously prioritized the Bodo Bonny-Road and Bridges project, saw it as one of the landmark/legacy projects that would indeed, rewrite history, by connecting our previously-forgotten coastal communities to mainland Nigeria.
"He surprisingly accommodated the quantum hike in the project cost and gave marching Orders to the Minister of Works regarding specific timelines to deliver the project."
Jumbo added that the approval of Phase Two, aimed at linking coastal communities to the East-West Road, reflected responsiveness to stakeholders’ concerns and the broader economic value of the project, while urging continuity in leadership to sustain infrastructure gains.
"Satisfied with the Minister's periodic reports on the progress achieved as well as its Renewed Mandate Impact on the coastal communities and by extension, the entire Ogoni and Izon ethnic nationalities, Mr. President on the informed recommendation of Minister of Works heeded our pleas and recently, approved a Phase Two of the Bodo-Bonny Road project, to link-up the coastal neighborhoods with the East-West Road.
"We are indeed amazed at this marvellous accommodation of our dreams and request.
"We remain eternally grateful and pray God to keep and strengthen our dear President, bring him back in 2027, and support his re-election in 2027." We also pray he recognizes the selfless and professional services of Dave Umahi and retains him as the next Minister of Works on merit to continue his good works for Nigerians," he stressed.
The committee also commended the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for what it described as sustained oversight, transparency, and defence of national interest throughout the project lifecycle.
The Bodo-Bonny Road project, which connects Bonny Island to the mainland, has long been considered critical to unlocking economic activities in oil-producing communities and improving mobility in the Niger Delta.
Jumbo described the project as “not merely a road” but “a lifeline” that would enhance economic inclusion, reduce insecurity, and strengthen social integration across affected communities.
He noted that execution required coordinated efforts among government, host communities, and private sector stakeholders, including the use of tax credit financing supported by Nigeria LNG.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, receiving the medallion awards on behalf of President Tinubu and Minister Umahi, announced that the President has approved the second phase of the Bodo-Bonny Road project.
Goronyo, who represented Umahi at the ceremony, said the approval followed sustained advocacy by stakeholders and reflects the administration’s focus on expanding national connectivity through strategic infrastructure.
“The Bodo-Bonny Road Project is not merely an engineering feat; it is a testament to leadership, continuity, partnership, and peace,” he said.
He added that the second phase would consolidate gains from the ongoing project by improving access between previously isolated coastal communities and major economic routes.
“We commend very highly, President Bola Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritized this project as a legacy of national connectivity. His resolve and directives have brought us to this advanced stage of completion,” he said.
Goronyo, who was also decorated with his own medallion award, acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Works, Umahi, for oversight of the project, and former Minister, Babatunde Raji Fashola, under whose tenure the project was initiated.
He further highlighted the role of Nigeria LNG Limited in supporting the project through a tax credit financing model, describing it as a template for public-private collaboration.
Goronyo said the project would boost economic activities, enhance mobility, and reduce insecurity in the Niger Delta by linking riverine communities to the mainland.
“This road is more than a physical link; it is a bridge to opportunity, a lifeline for commerce, and a symbol of national cohesion,” he said.
He disclosed that preparations were at an advanced stage to ensure that work on the second phase of the project commences without delay.
He added that the administration would continue to prioritise road infrastructure to strengthen connectivity and drive development across the country.
Goronyo dedicated the awards to the people of Bodo-Bonny and Nigerians for their resilience, urging continued support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sustain and consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructure reforms.
