THE FEDERAL Government has assured that the dualised 258km Makurdi-Otukpo-Obolo-Affor-Enugu highway will be completed by December, 2027.
The Federal Controller of Works, Benue State, Mukaila Danladi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Makurdi during an inspection tour of projects by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team led by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The team was conducted round the projects by Benue’s Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, and the Federal Controller during the assessment of ongoing infrastructure projects across the state.
Danladi said the project is the phase two of the Abuja-Akwanga-Nasarawa-Makurdi corridor, continuing the expansion from Makurdi through Otukpo and Obollo-Afor to Enugu.
He explained that phase one had been completed, while the current phase is financed through China EXIM Bank loan and Federal Government budget funding.
The controller said about 265km had been achieved on the corridor, with hydraulic structures and other works ongoing in spite of the rainy season challenges.
He added that the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company, remained committed to delivering the project within the December 2027 deadline.
NAN reports that Ode conducted the delegation round projects in the state and highlighted the importance of the Makurdi overhead bridge to commuters.
He described the route as the gateway between northern and southern Nigeria, saying it was vital for economic activities.
The deputy governor said the bridge was approved after Gov. Hyacinth Alia approached President Bola Tinubu over recurring traffic gridlocks during festivities.
Ode said residents were happy with the project because previous congestion had caused difficulties along the strategic corridor.
He noted that government had completed compensation payments and environmental assessments required for the bridge construction.
NAN reports that the Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo-Afor-Enugu highway is designed to improve safety, reduce travel time and strengthen trade links between regions.
The corridor is expected to support agricultural produce movement and enhance connectivity between Benue, Enugu and other states.
The inspection team also assessed other government projects as part of efforts to monitor infrastructure delivery.
The projects include the high-level underpass in Makurdi – Benue State Government Project, and the Wurukum Flyover in Makurdi linking 9th Mile- Otukpo-Enugu (Federal Road Project).
Others are the dualization Bridge Tyomu linking Makurdi Gboko Road leading to the Renewed Hope Estate and the ZEVA Food Basket Brewery Limited
The visit underscored the administration’s commitment to completing strategic projects that promote national integration and development. (NAN)
