By The Federal Government has set a new deadline of September 2025 for Julius Berger, the contractor responsible for the N280 billion Bodo-Bonny Road project in Rivers State, to complete the construction. This follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of an updated contract sum to expedite the road’s completion.
Minister of Works, David Umahi,
Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed this during an inspection of federal road projects in the state on Monday. He explained that the approval was granted after negotiations with the contractor, who insisted on the revised sum to finish the project. He urged the company to strictly follow the project specifications.
Umahi stated, “We have agreed to Julius Berger’s financial demands. After a year of negotiations, the company stood firm, so we approved the full amount requested and have issued the award letter. You need to sign the addendum. The President and the Federal Executive Council have approved the request, fixing the contract sum at N280 billion. Since this is what Julius Berger requested, it’s now up to them to mobilize at least three locations to accelerate the completion of the project.”
The minister added that he plans to inspect the project twice more before the end of 2024 to ensure the contractor fulfills its obligations. He said, “The deadline for completion is September 2025. I’ve provided directives regarding sand filling to design level and mobility across the project. Please remobilize at three different locations for effective progress. I will return in October and again in November to verify that the agreement is being honored.”
Umahi emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to the road’s early completion, noting that the National Security Adviser and the CEO of the NNPCL have already held meetings with him and the contractor.
He also praised the contractors for the progress made so far, assuring the people of Rivers State that once finished, the road will last 50 to 100 years without needing maintenance or reconstruction.
