President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday officially flagged off the construction of a flyover at the Wurukum roundabout in Makurdi, describing it as a special gift to the people of Benue State and the wider region. The project is a major component of the second phase of the Makurdi–9th Mile dualization, one of the administration’s flagship infrastructure initiatives.
Represented by Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, President Tinubu said the project would transform transportation, agriculture, and trade across the state and beyond. “As one who studied and grew up in Makurdi, I know how critical this road is. It links the Northeast to the South-South and Southeast. Farmers will now be able to move their produce easily, even fresh vegetables, from Benue to Abuja and other regions without heavy post-harvest losses,” Governor Alia said.
Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, who performed the flag-off ceremony, expressed gratitude to the government and people of Benue for their cooperation. He described the project as one of the largest legacy works under the Tinubu administration, spanning 260 kilometers—520 kilometers in dual carriage terms—at an estimated cost of $950 million, funded by China Exim Bank.
“The flyover was never in the initial budget, but it is a gift from Mr. President to Governor Hyacinth Alia. This project will serve as a catalyst for economic revolution across Benue, Enugu, and the entire region. We assure you of the highest quality, and we will ensure timely delivery,” Umahi said.
Technical consultant, Engr. Adam Onundi, Managing Director of Yolas Consultants Ltd, explained that the Makurdi–9th Mile dualization is divided into five sections covering 250.6 kilometers, in addition to the 15.8-kilometer Lafia Bypass. He noted that the Wurukum Flyover marks the start of Section One, with carriageways designed to modern standards.
Project Manager of China Harbour Construction Company, Mr. Wang, pledged timely and quality delivery, assuring that major works would be completed before the next election. “Our strategy is to execute all sections simultaneously for efficiency,” he said.
Governor Alia, who thanked President Tinubu for what he described as “one of the many gifts” to Benue within two years, noted that his administration had also rehabilitated sections of the Gboko–Makurdi road using state resources.
The Wurukum Flyover is expected to drastically reduce traffic congestion in Makurdi, while the broader Makurdi–9th Mile dualization is projected to boost regional connectivity, open up agricultural opportunities, and stimulate commerce in Nigeria’s food basket.
Later, Governor Alia accompanied the Works Minister to inspect ongoing projects within Makurdi, including the renovation of the Makurdi–Gboko road and the Highlevel underpass, where Umahi expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.
