…Bestow Awards On Tinubu, Ministers
By SUNDAY ABAH, Abuja
The federal government (FG) of Nigeria through the Ministry of Works, on Friday 27, March 2026, in the presence of traditional and community rulers from Bodo, Asarama, Ataba, and Bonny Island, fully announced the completion of the Bodo-Bonny road and bridge projects which had lingered for 38 years with various administrations coming and going.
At the Medallion Award ceremony held at the Musa Yar’ Adua Centre in Abuja, Medallion Awards were bestowed on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, and Minister of State for Works, Hon Mohammed Goronyo.
Speaking at the award, the Minister, Sen David Umahi, who was represented Minister of State, Hon Goronyo, said the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee deemed it fit to bestow the Medallion Award on the President and hisinisters as a gesture of appreciation over his resolve to complete the project.
SUMMI POST reports that the construction of the road which was initially awarded to Gitto Construction had suffered several setbacks until it was finally re-awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN) for N740 billion in October 2024.
Umahi said: “I am deeply honoured to stand before you at this award ceremony, which marked the realisation of a dream that came through in spite of several odds and obstacles.
“The Bodo-Bonny Road Project is not merely an engineering feat-it is a testament of leadership, continuity, partnership, and peace.”
The Minister commended President Tinubu, for driving the project on the crest of his Renewed Hope Agenda which prioritised the project as a legacy of national connectivity.
“His resolve and directives have brought us to this advanced stage of completion, to the gratitude of Bodo-Bonny communities, and indeed all Nigerians.
“It is important to state that the road has now been opened to traffic.” Umahi said.
Umahi, also acknowledged the foresight of his predecessor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, who initiated the project under the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said: “To NLNG Limited, we extend appreciation for your partnership under the tax credit scheme-a model of government-private sector collaboration.
“Above all, we commend the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Peace Committee, the true bridge-builders before the concrete was laid.
“Your dialogue, mediation, and unity created the conditions for safe work and lasting progress for this project.
“This road is more than a physical link; it is a bridge to opportunity, a lifeline for commerce, and a symbol of national cohesion. It connects coastal communities to the mainland, reduces insecurity, and opens doors for prosperity across the Niger Delta.”
Speaking further, he said, “This administration, Umahi, said remains steadfast in its mission to strengthen national connectivity through quality road infrastructure – this achievement inspire us to build faster, deliver better, and extend the promise of connectivity to every corner of our nation.
“As the Chairman of the Peace Committee, Prof. Jasper Jumbo, rightly pointed out, phase 2 of the Bodo-Bonny project has already been approved by President Tinubu and we are putting pen to paper to start work immediately.
“This is to tell you that the President loves everyone across the country irrespective of where you come from.
“He is a president for all. He loves the unity of this country and I want to tell you that to whom much is given, much is expected.
“You must make sure that you rally round him to ensure continuity of this project so by 2027 when the President is re-elected this project will continue so that we will continue to connect to our people and connect to commercial activities and of course families and friends.”
While speaking for himself, the Minister of Works for State commended the Minister of Works, for his technical rigour and oversight, and JBN for their professionalism in delivering the project to global standards.