By Our Correspondent
National News – The Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has unveiled a smart highway initiative aimed at transforming road infrastructure across Nigeria.
The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who revealed that the government approved a ₦150bn extension of the Bodo-Bonny Road project in Rivers State.
The project, expected to commence soon pending Federal Executive Council ratification, will be executed through a Public-Private Partnership to ensure efficiency, funding support, and long-term sustainability.
According to Umahi, the project will incorporate reinforced concrete technology designed to last between 50 and 100 years, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing durability.
He explained that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to move from conventional road construction to modern, technology-driven infrastructure that boosts economic growth.
The Bodo-Bonny Road, which connects Bonny Island to the mainland, has long been critical for oil and gas operations and general commerce in Rivers State.
The smart highway plan will also include the installation of solar-powered street lights, large-scale tree planting, and CCTV surveillance systems along major road corridors.
These features are intended to improve safety, enhance night visibility, and enable rapid emergency response, with authorities targeting response times of under 10 minutes.
Additionally, the government plans to integrate rest areas, service hubs, and truck parking facilities to reduce congestion and support logistics operations.
Umahi stated that contractors have been mandated to deliver the project within 12 months without cost variations, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
He added that cost savings would be reinvested into value-adding features such as landscaping and lighting.
The initiative highlights the government’s commitment to building smart, durable, and economically impactful infrastructure while addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit through private sector collaboration.
