The Federal Government has set a new deadline of September 2025 for Julius Berger to complete the N280 billion Bodo-Bonny Road currently under construction in Rivers State.
This decision follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a fixed contract sum to Julius Berger after an upward review to facilitate the road’s timely completion.
Minister of Works David Umahi announced the deadline during an inspection of ongoing federal road projects in Rivers State on Monday. He revealed that the approval was granted after negotiations with the contractor, who insisted on the revised amount to ensure the project’s completion. Umahi urged the company to adhere to the project’s specifications.
He stated, “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. So, we have to allow you the total amount of money you are looking for, and so we have given you the award letter. You have to go and sign the addendum.”
The Minister confirmed that the project is now at a fixed contract sum of N280 billion, as approved by the President and the Federal Executive Council. He emphasized the need for the contractor to mobilize in at least three locations to expedite completion.
Umahi further stated, “We are giving a deadline of September 2025; that is the deadline for finishing this job. I will be back for two more inspections before the end of 2024 to monitor progress and ensure the contractor honors the agreement.”
He assured that the government is committed to overseeing the project’s completion, noting, “Mr. President is very much interested in the early completion of this road. He has directed that the National Security Adviser and the Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL meet with me and the contractor, which we have done in the first meeting.”
Umahi also commended the contractors for their work so far, guaranteeing the Rivers people that once completed, the road will have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years without needing maintenance or reconstruction.
