The Benue State Government has assured its full support in the dualization of the Makurdi-Otukpo-Ninth Mile road, vowing to facilitate smooth execution and timely completion of the project.
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia made the pledge on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, led by Permanent Secretary Engineer Olufunsho Adebiye, at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi.
He affirmed that the state would provide logistical backing and monitor the project to ensure it meets required standards, benefiting both Benue State and Nigeria at large.
The governor also lauded the Federal Ministry of Works for approving the rehabilitation of the Makurdi-Gboko road up to the Tyo-Mu bridge.
He urged an extension of the dualization project to include the site where the Federal Government is constructing housing units, emphasizing that this would improve accessibility for future residents and enhance the area’s aesthetics.
Governor Alia reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, noting that Makurdi and other major towns in the state have become active construction hubs.
He welcomed the Federal Government’s plan to build a flyover at Wurukum Roundabout and announced that the state government would launch an awareness campaign on road diversions to ease traffic congestion during construction.
The State Ministry of Works, he added, is considering an alternative traffic route from the New Bridge and Old Bridge to maintain connectivity within the city.
He further recommended that the second phase of the dualization project begin at the New Bridge, extending through Apir and linking Ninth Mile.
The governor urged the Federal Government to adhere to the original plan of constructing a bypass at Otukpo, a move he said would facilitate the town’s expansion while minimizing property demolitions and compensation costs.
Governor Alia expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing road infrastructure and commended the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for his dedication to executing the president’s mandate, particularly in maintaining federal roads in Benue State.
Speaking earlier, Permanent Secretary Engineer Olufunsho Adebiye noted that the dualization project, awarded in 2018, is divided into two phases.
While Phase One covering Akwanga, Lafia, and Makurdi is nearing completion, Phase Two, which spans from Makurdi to Ninth Mile, he said, has 178 kilometers of its 251-kilometer stretch within Benue State, making it a critical project for the region.
Adebiye stated that their visit aimed to assess the project’s progress since its commencement last year.
He sought the state government’s support in managing traffic at Wurukum Roundabout, compensating affected property owners, and sensitizing the public to minimize inconveniences during construction.