The Federal Government has approved the final payment of N280 billion to complete the Bodo-Bonny Road project, according to the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi.
During an inspection visit to the project site, Umahi, through a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, stressed the urgency of meeting the December 2024 project delivery deadline.
Umahi expressed concerns about Julius Berger Nigeria Plc’s handling of the Bodo-Bonny road, emphasizing that the funds paid must align with project completion.
He insisted that no additional funds would be approved, warning the contractor against any delays. “It’s a package, called a lump sum completion package, for Julius Berger to do a beautiful job and attach their name. It has been 11 years, and we don’t want it to exceed this year,” he stated.
The Minister questioned whether there was anything further the Ministry of Works or NLNG could do to expedite the project to meet the December 2024 deadline. He also praised the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee and NLNG for their cooperation and funding efforts.
Umahi criticized RCC for delays in the 15km East-West Road project from Port Harcourt Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction, despite receiving over N40 billion.
He stated that no further variations on price (VOP) would be entertained and expressed the need to maintain the road in the interim. “We need to pity the people. It’s unacceptable what our people are passing through for an excuse from RCC that they are importing machines for the job,” he said.
Other projects inspected by the Minister included the dualisation of East-West road section II (sub-section II) (Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States) handled by Setraco Nigeria Ltd, and the construction of multiple box culverts at flood-damaged locations along the dualisation of East-West road (section II) Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States by Messrs. Rock Result Nigeria Ltd.
Sen. Barr. Onyekachi Peter Nwaebonyi, Deputy Senate Chief Whip and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, along with Professor Jasper Jumbo, spokesperson for the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee, expressed gratitude to the President for the improvements in Nigeria’s road infrastructure. They praised the Minister’s dedication and professionalism.
Nwaebonyi remarked, “I believe that with this constant supervision, the contractors will live up to expectations and deliver the job in record time.”
Professor Jumbo commended the administration for its integrity and professionalism, attributing the project’s progress to the Minister’s commitment. “This is the practical aspect of Renewed Hope,” he said.
Dienye Godson, NLNG representative and manager of government relations, also thanked the President and his team for their dedication. He assured that NLNG would provide maximum support to the government.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc’s project manager affirmed the company’s commitment, stating, “We’ll continue and expedite the re-mobilisation of this project to ensure our full commitment. And as you rightly have said, honourable minister, we operate as partners in progress.”
