President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Flags Off Temporary Use of Bodo–Bonny Road, Ending Decades of Costly River Crossings

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially flagged off the temporary use of the 37.9-kilometre Bodo–Bonny Road, marking a historic moment for residents of Bonny Kingdom and neighbouring Ogoni communities who have long depended on dangerous river travel and expensive helicopter rides. The President described the development as a major step toward easing movement and improving economic access in one of Nigeria’s most strategic regions.

Tinubu Marks Breakthrough After Years of Delayed Access

For decades, Bonny Island and surrounding communities relied almost entirely on boats to reach mainland Rivers State. By flagging off the temporary opening of the Bodo–Bonny Road, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated the first-ever land connection between Bonny Island and the rest of the country.

The President emphasized that the temporary access will immediately ease travel challenges, improve safety, and reduce transportation costs for thousands of residents. Government officials added that while final construction work continues, the temporary access offers a significant relief and showcases the administration’s commitment to delivering long-delayed national projects.

President Tinubu also highlighted the road’s strategic importance to national security and economic development, especially given its proximity to Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and other critical oil and gas installations in the region.

Economic Lifeline for Bonny and Ogoni Communities

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu noted that the availability of the Bodo–Bonny Road— even in a temporary phase—will unleash economic opportunities long held back by isolation and high transportation costs. Traders, small businesses, and local industries are expected to see immediate improvements in logistics and access to markets across Rivers State.

Economists say the improved access could stimulate billions of naira in economic value by reducing supply chain delays and attracting new investment to Bonny Island, a key pillar of Nigeria’s gas export economy. With the President’s intervention, residents of Bonny and Ogoni can now anticipate lower costs of goods, better access to services, and enhanced mobility for both business and social activities.

Community stakeholders also acknowledged that the road opens new prospects for socio-economic inclusion, especially for younger residents who previously faced barriers in accessing schools, jobs, and healthcare facilities on the mainland.

Tinubu Assures Full Completion and Strengthened Community Integration

In his remarks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed that his administration will complete the Bodo–Bonny Road project within schedule, ensuring a fully operational corridor that meets international construction standards. He described the project as a model of cooperation between the Federal Government, private sector partners, and host communities.

Officials from the Federal Ministry of Works confirmed that final engineering works are progressing steadily. They noted that President Tinubu’s directive to open the road temporarily demonstrates his resolve to deliver people-focused infrastructure quickly, without waiting for full project completion.

Leaders from both Bonny and Ogoni expressed appreciation for the President’s intervention, stating that the development marks the beginning of a new era of connectivity, economic revival, and safety for their communities.