President Bola Tinubu has initiated the construction of a flyover at Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, represented the President at the ceremony, where he expressed gratitude to the Benue Government and citizens for their cooperation and support. The flyover is a key component of the second phase of the Makurdi-9th Mile Road dualization project, a 260-kilometer dual carriage way totaling 520 kilometers.

This project is one of the largest legacy projects under the current administration, awarded at a cost of $950 million and funded by the China Exim Bank. The flyover, not initially part of the budget, is seen as a gift from the President to Governor Hyacinth Alia, aiming to catalyze economic growth across Benue, Enugu, and the broader region. The project’s lead consultant, Adam Onundi of Yolas Consultants Ltd, outlined the project’s details, which include a 250.6-kilometer dualization divided into five sections, plus a 15.8-kilometer Lafia Bypass.

The construction of the flyover marks the beginning of the first section of the Makurdi-9th Mile stretch. Each carriageway will be 7.3 meters wide with standard shoulders, stone base, and asphalt layers designed for durability. The existing road will also be upgraded to meet modern standards. The Project Manager of China Harbour Construction Company, Li Wang, pledged to deliver the works in a timely and high-quality manner, planning to execute all sections simultaneously for efficiency.

Governor Alia described the flyover and dualization works as a “game changer” that will transform transportation, agriculture, and trade in the state and beyond. He thanked the President for the projects executed by the Federal Government in Benue and highlighted his administration’s efforts to complement these initiatives, including the rehabilitation of sections of the Gboko-Makurdi road using state resources.

The project’s significance extends beyond Benue, as it links the North-East to the South-South and South-East, facilitating the movement of produce from farmers without heavy post-harvest losses. With the support of the Minister, guidance from consultants, and cooperation from the Governor on compensation and land acquisition, the construction company is confident in delivering the project to the highest quality standards before the next election.