President Bola Tinubu has ordered the extension of the Bodo–Bonny Road in Rivers State by 8.7 kilometres and approved the dualisation of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri corridor, in a major expansion of Nigeria’s legacy infrastructure programme.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed the presidential directive on Thursday during a press briefing at the Ministry of Works conference hall in Abuja, describing the approvals as a demonstration of Tinubu’s commitment to strategic infrastructure, regional integration, and economic growth.
“Yesterday, the President graciously directed that the Ministry of Works should extend the Bodo–Bonny Road by 8.7 kilometres using reinforced concrete up to the East–West Road. In addition, he approved the construction of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri road to improve connectivity across the North-Central, North-East and Northern regions,” Umahi said.
The Bodo–Bonny extension, he explained, would significantly enhance access to coastal communities, support trade, and strengthen integration within Rivers State and the wider South-South region. The new segment will link the iconic Bodo–Bonny project directly to the East–West Road, a critical transport corridor connecting key oil and gas hubs in the Niger Delta.
“The President did not stop any inherited project. He directed the continuation of all projects and also approved extensions where they are critical to national development,” the minister added.
Umahi stressed that the Tinubu administration has prioritised durable infrastructure, mandating the use of reinforced concrete pavement to ensure the roads last between 50 and 100 years. He said this approach guarantees value for money and provides Nigerians with infrastructure that can withstand heavy usage and harsh climatic conditions.
“The roads we are building now will last between 50 and 100 years. This is very important because Nigerians deserve infrastructure that will stand the test of time. The roads we are building now will stand the test of time. Nigerians deserve infrastructure that is durable, safe, and reliable,” he said.
Turning to the northern corridor, Umahi said the dualisation of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri road would strengthen trade, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and open up the North-East region for economic development after years of infrastructure deficits and security challenges.
“This corridor is strategic for national integration, linking key commercial, agricultural, and industrial hubs. Work will start simultaneously at multiple points, including Akwanga, Bauchi, Gombe, and Maiduguri, to accelerate completion and maximise socio-economic benefits,” he said.
The minister noted that the highway would improve access to border towns, support agricultural value chains, and enhance security by increasing patrol and response capabilities along the route.
Work on both projects is scheduled to commence in March 2026. Umahi assured Nigerians that construction would adhere to modern engineering standards, ensuring safety, durability, and cost efficiency.
“These projects will not only reduce travel time and logistics costs but will also boost commerce, agriculture, and tourism along these corridors,” he said, highlighting their potential to attract local and foreign investment.
The Bodo–Bonny Road, originally designed to connect the island of Bonny to the mainland for the first time, has been under construction for several years. The new presidential order extends the road beyond its original terminus, linking it directly to the East–West Road and opening up multiple coastal communities previously hindered by poor accessibility.
Similarly, the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri dualisation represents one of the most ambitious highway interventions in the North-East in decades. The region has struggled with dilapidated road infrastructure, compounded by years of insurgency and neglect. The project is expected to ease the transportation of farm produce, reduce travel time between state capitals, and reconnect communities along the corridor.
Umahi described both projects as central to the Tinubu administration’s broader Legacy infrastructure programme, aimed at modernising Nigeria’s road networks, supporting investment inflows, and enhancing national cohesion through improved mobility.
He also commended Tinubu’s economic policies, stating that ongoing infrastructure investments and macroeconomic reforms were gradually stabilising the economy.
“You can see inflation trending downward, the stability of the naira improving, and massive infrastructure development taking place across the country. The government is also prioritising agricultural productivity to ensure food sufficiency and affordability,” he added.
The minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustaining and expanding inherited projects despite fiscal constraints.
“The President inherited a very poor state of roads and bridges, yet he has continued these projects and even extended some of them. That demonstrates a firm commitment to national development,” Umahi said.
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