The 37.9-kilometre Bonny–Bodo Road in Rivers State has been partially opened to traffic, ending decades of isolation for Bonny Island and linking the strategic oil and gas hub to the mainland by road.
The commissioning was performed on Monday by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Umahi disclosed that the full inauguration of the project would take place in the first quarter of 2026.
Bonny Island hosts critical national assets, including Nigeria’s Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) facilities, the Bonny Petroleum Export Terminal, and several oil, gas and maritime industries, but had never before been connected to the mainland by a road network.
Reacting, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) commended President Tinubu for what it described as a historic infrastructure achievement.
Speaking to journalists, PETROAN National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, said the project marked the fulfilment of a long-standing national dream, noting that several past administrations had attempted but failed to complete the road.
He said the road would significantly improve gas and petroleum product distribution across the Niger Delta and the South–South, reduce haulage bottlenecks and lower operational costs for downstream operators.
According to him, improved logistics will enhance efficiency in the national energy supply chain and could lead to reduced gas prices for households, industries and power generation companies.
Dr. Gillis-Harry also lauded Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for what he described as his technical expertise and commitment to quality project delivery, noting that his leadership has set new benchmarks in infrastructure development.
He added that the road would now enable seamless transportation of petroleum products and gas into Bonny Island, strengthening both domestic supply and industrial operations.
PETROAN reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to maximise the long-term economic and industrial benefits of the project.
