Boat owners and operators at the Bonny Jetty on Bonny Island have raised alarms over the threat to their livelihoods following the commissioning of the Bonny–Bodo Road.
According to the operators, the opening of the road has led to a sharp decline in the number of passengers using sea transport, leaving many boat drivers and owners without a daily income.
Speaking on the issue, Vice Chairman of the Bonny Marine Transport Association, Tuoyo Tamuno, described the impact as devastating, noting that many operators are now struggling to feed their families.
While acknowledging that the Bonny–Bodo Road is a significant development for the area, Tamuno warned that progress should not come at the expense of existing livelihoods. He called on the government to strike a balance between road and marine transport to ensure that those dependent on the waterways are not pushed into poverty.
The operators’ concerns highlight the need for inclusive planning that safeguards both infrastructural development and traditional sources of income in the region.
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