The Federal Government has established a new deadline of September 2025 for Julius Berger, the contractor responsible for the N280 billion Bodo-Bonny Road project in Rivers State. This announcement follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of an upward review of the contract sum, aimed at facilitating the road’s timely completion.
Minister of Works David Umahi made the disclosure during an inspection of ongoing federal road projects in Rivers State on Monday.
He highlighted that the approval was the result of extensive negotiations with Julius Berger, who insisted on the increased funding to complete the work. “And let me say that we have given Julius Berger what they want in terms of the money they are looking for. We negotiated for one year, but Berger refused to shift ground,” Umahi said. “So, we have to allow you the total amount of money you are looking for, and so we have given you the award letter. So, you have to go and sign the addendum.”
Emphasizing the need for compliance with project specifications, Umahi stated, “The President and the Federal Executive Council approved your request, so the project is now to a fixed contract sum of N280 billion. This is the request of Berger and Mr. President has done the request of Berger. So, Berger has to at least mobilise in at least three locations to get this job completed.”
Umahi outlined his plan to conduct two additional inspections before the end of 2024 to ensure the project is on track. “We are giving a deadline of September 2025; that is the deadline that this job should be finished. So, I would like the directives I have given in terms of filling with sharp sand to design level, and movement across,” he urged.
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“So, please, remobilise in at least three locations for effective work — that is the agreement. I’ll be here again by the end of October and finally, I’ll come in November to see that our agreement is working.”
The minister also reassured residents of Rivers State regarding the road’s long-term viability. “Let me say that Mr. President is very much interested in the early completion of this road and he has directed that the National Security Adviser and the Chief Executive,” he noted.
Umahi also commended the contractors for their progress thus far, promising that once completed, the road will have a lifespan of 50-100 years without needing maintenance or reconstruction.
