Dashed Excitement Over Non-Opening of Bonny–Boddo Road
Residents of Bonny- Boddo road in Rivers State have their expectations dashed as the earlier directive of the Works Minister, Dr. David Umahi that the road be temporarily opened to the public on November 30th, 2025, now appear to be elusive.
On November 15th, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Honourable Warisenebo Abinye Blessing Pepple, had announced during a town hall meeting that adequate security measures were already in place to ensure the safety of commuters once the route was opened for temporary use on November 30th.
He also disclosed that the Minister of Works, Dr. David Umahi, had directed that the road be opened during the festive season to ease the difficulties associated with water transportation.
However, a new development emerged yesterday following a statement published on the official Facebook page of the Bonny Local Government.
In a statement, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Amb. Wisdom Chapp-Jumbo, clarified that only the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, is authorized to approve any temporary opening of the road, saying that such approval must be communicated to the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, before public access can be granted.
The Chairman appealed for patience and understanding from the public, stating that the council is still awaiting official communication from the Minister of Works.
Meanwhile, some residents who responded to the announcement expressed disappointment, accusing authorities of playing politics with the road at the expense of the public.
One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, alleged that certain boat owners occupying key positions in Bonny are sabotaging efforts to open the road in order to continue benefitting from high transportation costs on the waterways.
Residents also claimed that the minister had already given approval for the temporary opening of the road during his inspection visit in October.
Business Africa Digest recalls reports that the road is a major artery leading to the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas in Bonny Island of Rivers State.
