The Federal Government has unveiled plans to transform Nigeria’s highways into smart, technology-driven corridors, alongside approving a N150bn extension of the Bodo-Bonny Road project in Rivers State under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during a meeting with the management of Nigeria LNG Limited, describing the initiative as a shift from conventional road construction to durable, innovation-led infrastructure.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, the project has received presidential approval and will soon be presented to the Federal Executive Council for ratification. Umahi said the extension would be constructed using reinforced concrete technology designed to last between 50 and 100 years, reducing maintenance costs.
He said the project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that is not only durable but also economically impactful. “This is not just about building a road, but about creating long-lasting value for Nigerians,” the statement added.
Umahi further emphasised that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to transparency, noting that the project would undergo full approval processes.
Beyond the road expansion, the minister outlined a broader strategy to modernise highways through smart features, including the installation of solar-powered street lights, tree planting along road corridors, and the deployment of Closed-Circuit Television cameras supported by monitoring centres.
He explained that the introduction of CCTV systems would significantly improve emergency response time on highways, with authorities targeting intervention within 10 minutes of incidents.
The plan also includes the development of rest areas, service stations, and operational hubs to support maintenance and monitoring, as well as truck parking facilities to ease congestion and improve logistics efficiency. Umahi said consultations with host communities were ongoing to secure land for these additions.
The minister added that contractors have been directed to reinvest cost savings into value-adding components such as solar lighting and landscaping, while a strict 12-month completion timeline has been set to ensure efficiency and prevent cost overruns.
He described the initiative as part of an unprecedented infrastructure drive focused on delivering world-class assets that enhance safety, boost economic activities, and improve the quality of life.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, Adeleye Falade, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and cleaner energy solutions, presenting a model of a compressed natural gas-powered ship during the meeting.
The Bodo-Bonny Road remains a critical link between Bonny Island—home to major oil and gas assets—and the mainland in Rivers State. Its expansion and upgrade, combined with smart infrastructure features, signal a broader policy shift towards integrated, efficient, and sustainable transport systems in Nigeria.
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