Nigerian govt flags off $950m Makurdi–9th Mile dualization project

The Federal Government on Saturday, September 13, 2025,flagged off the second phase of the Makurdi–9th Mile dualization project, a260-kilometer highway expected to transform transportation and commerce acrossthe North-Central and Southeast corridors. The project, estimated at $950 million and funded by theChina Exim Bank, covers 520 kilometers in dual carriage terms and is consideredone of the largest legacy road projects under the Bola Ahmed Tinubuadministration. Speaking at the event in Makurdi, the Minister of Works,Engr. Dave Umahi, described the project as a major milestone that wouldstimulate economic activities in Benue, Enugu, and neighboring states. “The flyover at Wurukum was not in the original design buthas been added as a special gift from Mr. President to the people of Benue.This dualization will serve as a catalyst for economic revolution across theregion, and we are committed to delivering it with the best quality and ontime,” Umahi said. Governor Hyacinth Alia, who represented President Tinubu,called the dualization a “game changer” that would enhance trade, agriculture,and connectivity. He stressed that the road links the Northeast with theSouth-South and Southeast, making it a lifeline for farmers and businesses. “Farmers will now be able to move their produce, includingperishable goods, from Benue to Abuja and beyond without the heavy losses wesee today,” Governor Alia said, while expressing gratitude to the president forwhat he described as “one of many gifts” to Benue within two years. Providing technical details, Engr. Adam Onundi, ManagingDirector of Yolas Consultants Ltd, said the project is divided into fivesections totaling 250.6 kilometers, with an additional 15.8-kilometer LafiaBypass. The Wurukum Flyover, which marks the start of Section One,is designed to ease Makurdi’s notorious traffic congestion. On his part, Mr. Wang, Project Manager of China HarbourConstruction Company, assured of high-quality delivery, noting that thecompany’s strategy was to work on all sections simultaneously for fastercompletion. “With support from the federal and state governments oncompensation and land acquisition, we are confident of delivering the majorworks before the next election,” Wang pledged. The broader dualization project is expected to boostregional trade, unlock Benue’s agricultural potential, and ease movement acrosskey economic corridors. Governor Alia later accompanied the Works Minister oninspection of other projects in Makurdi, including the Makurdi–Gboko road andthe Highlevel underpass.

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