The Federal Government (FG) has offered an additional N20.5 billion to construction firm Julius Berger to complete the Bodo-Bonny Road, despite setting a December 2024 deadline for completion or termination.
Engr. David Umahi, Minister of Works, set the deadline and made the offer during a meeting with contractors and the peace committee for the Bonny Kingdom project in Abuja on Wednesday.
The project was granted to Julius Berger for N120.6 billion, with Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) providing 50% funding.
Berger had demanded additional N28.8billion to construct the remaining section of the 39 km road which is currently at 84 percent completion phase.
The construction firm, among other conditions, made the additional demand following foreign exchange rates.
The federal government had however offered N13 billion earlier leaving with a difference of N15 billion but after further negotiation, the minister increased the offer to N20 billion for Julius Berger to accept or quit the site.
Umahi however promised to ensure the completion of the work by December 2024.
The 39 km long road, has cross culverts and two mini bridges with a distance of 23m each as well as two creek bridges at Afa Creek Bridge of about 530m length and Nanabie Creek Bridge of about 640m length.
This is in addition to the construction of a major river bridge of about 750m length over the Opobo Channel.
The minister had declined the construction firm’s fresh requests, warning that the ministry would not allow contractors to dictate for Nigeria.
He said the ministry under his watch will not sign contract variations based on foreign exchange rates.
He also said the ministry has stopped payment of VOPs unless directed by the President.
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