President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially launched the construction of a significant flyover at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The flyover has been described as a personal “gift” from the President to Governor Hyacinth Alia, in recognition of his commitment to infrastructure renewal in the state.
The project, estimated to cost between $950 million and $1 billion, is being financed by the China Eximbank. It forms a critical part of the Makurdi Ninth Mile dual carriageway project, a 520-kilometre road cutting through Benue State into Enugu.
Details of the development were shared in a statement issued by Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, and posted on the state government’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, who represented President Tinubu at the flag-off ceremony on Saturday, commended Governor Alia for taking the initiative to repair and maintain federal roads across the state.
“We are very pleased with your commitment to the people of Benue State and your intervention on our federal roads,” Umahi stated. “Everybody that uses the road in Benue is for the good governance of the Benue people. So, we thank you very highly.”
Umahi emphasized the massive scale of the ongoing road works, noting that Benue alone accounts for 260 kilometres on each lane, amounting to a total of 520 kilometres. He described the project as unprecedented.
“When we talk about legacy projects, Your Excellency, there is no section in any state that is up to 520 km. So, you really came in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, you are a lucky governor,” he said.
He further disclosed that the flyover was not part of the original blueprint for the road project but was specifically added by President Tinubu as a show of goodwill and appreciation for Governor Alia’s performance.
“This flyover was never in the plan and budget for this road. But it is a gift from Mr. President to Governor Hyacinth Alia. It is a gift he has asked me to give to you,” Umahi stated.
He also revealed the financing structure: “The cost is about $950 million. Roughly $1bn. This is being funded by the China Eximbank. So, Benue people have every cause to be grateful to God Almighty, and for the love President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated for the State.”
The minister expressed admiration for Alia’s achievements in infrastructure, particularly in road construction and rehabilitation efforts that have improved accessibility in the state.
“Thank you for caring for your people. Governance is tough, but with the hand of God upon you, you are going to be remembered at the end of this journey,” Umahi added.
The flyover is a key element of the second phase of the Makurdi 9th Mile dualisation project. According to the Managing Director of Yolas Consultants Ltd, Adam Onundi, the project is segmented into five parts, covering a total of 250.6 kilometres, in addition to a 15.8-kilometre bypass in Lafia.