The Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Friday urged stakeholders and host communities along the Bodo-Bonny corridor to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, saying continuity would be critical to the completion of the second phase of the strategic road project.

Umahi made the call at the Medallion Award Ceremony organised by the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Peace Committee in Abuja, where he was represented by the Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Goronyo.

Addressing participants, the minister described the project as a landmark achievement that goes beyond infrastructure, stressing that it has transformed the economic and social outlook of coastal communities.

“This road is more than a physical link; it is a bridge to opportunity, a lifeline for commerce, and a symbol of national cohesion,” he said. “It connects coastal communities to the mainland, reduces insecurity, and opens doors for prosperity across the Niger Delta.”

He said the current administration remains committed to expanding road infrastructure across the country as part of efforts to deepen national connectivity and economic growth.

According to him, the approval of Phase II of the Bodo-Bonny Road project demonstrates the government’s resolve to sustain the momentum already achieved.

“As rightly pointed out, Phase II of the project has been approved by Mr President, and we are already putting pen to paper to commence work immediately,” he said.

The minister, however, stressed the importance of policy continuity in delivering long-term infrastructure projects, urging communities to rally behind the President.

“So you must make sure that you rally around Mr President to ensure continuity of this project, so that by 2027, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returns, this project will continue,” he said. “We must continue to connect our people, our commercial activities, and our families and friends.”

Umahi also emphasised the President’s commitment to national unity, noting that infrastructure development remains inclusive across regions. “This is to tell you that Mr President loves everybody in this country, whether you are from the North, South, East, or West. He is a President for all and a leader committed to the unity of this nation,” he added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the award ceremony, Chief Prof. Jasper Jumbo, said the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road marked the end of decades of neglect and agitation by the people. “Nigeria has remembered us. We are indeed grateful,” he declared.

He described the event as a moment of reflection and celebration of a vision that had spanned nearly four decades. “For decades, the Bodo-Bonny corridor symbolised both economic potential and infrastructural limitation. Despite being a major hub for oil and gas activities, it remained disconnected from the mainland and relied heavily on water transportation,” he said.

“This disconnect posed serious challenges not only to commerce and industry but also to the daily lives, safety, and aspirations of our people.”

Jumbo recounted the numerous challenges that delayed the project, including funding constraints, technical disagreements, and community-related issues, noting that sustained advocacy and collaboration eventually led to its success.

“We witnessed years of disagreements, funding challenges, and community tensions. But we resolved against all odds to mobilise stakeholders, persuade communities, and support the government and contractors to realise this project in our lifetime,” he said.

He commended the Minister for heeding the appeals of the people and facilitating approval of Phase II of the Bodo-Bonny Road project to link up the coastal neighbourhoods with the East-West Road.

“We are indeed amazed at this marvellous accommodation of our dreams and requests. We remain eternally grateful and pray God to keep and strengthen our dear President, bring him back in 2027 and touch His Excellency, Mr President on being re-elected in 2027, to countenance the selfless/professional services of His Excellency, Sen. Engr Dave Umahi and, on merit, retain him as the next Hon. Minister of Works to continue with his good works for Nigerians.”

The Bodo-Bonny Road project, which connects Bonny Island, home to critical oil and gas infrastructure, to mainland Rivers State, has long been regarded as one of Nigeria’s most strategic but delayed infrastructure projects.

For decades, the area depended largely on waterways, limiting economic activities and exposing residents to security risks. The project gained renewed momentum under the administration of former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, with the introduction of Executive Order 7, which enabled funding through tax credits by Nigeria LNG Limited.

With the road now open to traffic and plans underway for its expansion, stakeholders say the project is set to unlock new economic opportunities, improve logistics for the oil and gas sector, and enhance regional integration across the Niger Delta.