The Federal Government has approved a N150 billion extension of the Bodo–Bonny Road in Rivers State under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, as part of a broader push for “smart, durable and economically impactful infrastructure.”
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed the development during a meeting with the management of Nigeria LNG Limited, noting that the project reflects a shift from conventional road construction to technology-driven infrastructure delivery.
According to the Ministry of Works, the project has received presidential approval and will be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for ratification.
Umahi explained that the extension will be constructed using reinforced concrete technology designed to last between 50 and 100 years, significantly reducing long-term maintenance costs.
He described the initiative as more than just road construction, stressing that it is aimed at delivering infrastructure that provides lasting economic value and durability.
Beyond the road expansion, the Federal Government also unveiled plans to transform highways into smart economic corridors. These include the installation of solar-powered street lighting, large-scale tree planting, and digital monitoring systems.
The minister said Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras will be deployed along major highways, supported by monitoring centres designed to improve emergency response times to under 10 minutes.
“We are introducing CCTV surveillance systems along key highways with strategically located monitoring centres. This will enable us to respond to emergencies in less than 10 minutes,” Umahi stated.
The project design will also incorporate rest areas, service stations, and operational hubs to support maintenance and enhance road safety. Truck parking facilities are also planned to ease congestion and improve logistics efficiency.
Umahi further emphasized that contractors have been directed to channel cost savings into value-added components such as solar lighting and landscaping, while the project is expected to be completed within 12 months without cost overruns.
The Bodo–Bonny corridor remains a strategic economic route linking Bonny Island—home to major oil and gas operations including Nigeria LNG Limited—to the mainland, an area that has long depended on waterways due to poor road access.
Stakeholders say the renewed focus on PPP-driven, smart infrastructure reflects the government’s broader strategy to close Nigeria’s infrastructure gap while improving efficiency, safety, and economic productivity.
