By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Government has approved a ₦150 billion extension of the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Project in Rivers State under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
This is part of a wider infrastructure push that includes solar lighting, landscaping, and CCTV surveillance on major highways.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received the management of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited in his office.
A statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations in the Ministry, Mohammed Ahmed, said President Bola Tinubu had approved the extension of the recently completed Bodo-Bonny Road, with a 12-month completion deadline and a clause to prevent cost variation. The project will use concrete technology for a lifespan of 50 to 100 years and will be presented to the Federal Executive Council for ratification.
“Government is not only constructing roads but delivering world-class infrastructure that supports economic growth, enhances safety, and improves the quality of life,” Umahi said.
He added that the administration had also approved solar-powered street lighting and tree planting along major corridors to improve night-time visibility, boost security, beautify the highways, and stimulate commerce in host communities.
To strengthen road safety, the government plans to deploy Closed-Circuit Television surveillance systems on key highways, backed by monitoring centres. Umahi said the measure would cut emergency response time to under 10 minutes.
The project design includes rest areas, relief stations, and truck parking yards at strategic locations. Umahi said engagements with host communities were ongoing to secure land for the facilities. Contractors have been directed to use savings from project costs to fund solar lighting and tree planting.
Umahi commended stakeholders, noting that the infrastructure drive under the Renewed Hope Administration had recorded “unprecedented” impact across all regions.
During the visit, NLNG Managing Director, Engr. Adeleye Falade, presented a model of a Compressed Natural Gas ship to the minister, signaling the company’s commitment to cleaner energy solutions in transportation and maritime sectors. Both parties discussed collaboration on sustainable infrastructure.
