Construction work on the Lafia Bypass and the dualisation of the Makurdi–Ninth Mile Road is making steady progress despite challenges posed by the rainy season, officials overseeing the project have said.
During the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ inspection of Section One of the project, the Federal Controller of Works in Benue State, Engr. Mukaila Danladi, said the strategic federal highway traverses Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, and Enugu states, covering a total length of 250 kilometers, which translates to 500 kilometers of dual carriageway.
According to him, the project has been divided into five sections to facilitate construction, with Sections Four and Five located in Enugu State, while Sections One, Two and Three fall within Benue State.
He explained that the Benue axis spans 178 kilometres, while Section One, where the inspection took place, covers 50 kilometres, amounting to 100 kilometres of dual carriageway.
Danladi disclosed that about 86 kilometres have reached the binder course level, adding that work is progressing despite weather-related constraints.
“The pace of work has slowed because of the rainy season, which creates unfavourable weather conditions for some construction activities. However, work has not stopped. Several hydraulic structures are currently under construction along the alignment,” he said.
The Project Manager representing China Harbour Engineering Company, Engr. Tijani Olalekan Babatunde, reaffirmed the contractor’s commitment to delivering the project within the agreed timeline.
He said the project commenced on February 1, 2024, with a completion period of 48 months, making February 1, 2028, the expected delivery date.
Babatunde noted that approximately 56 kilometres of binder course have so far been completed on both carriageways in Section One.
“At the moment, our focus is on drainage and other adjoining structures because the rainy season limits some of the earthworks. Nevertheless, construction activities are ongoing across the project corridor,” he stated.
Commenting on the quality of work, Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who joined the inspection, described the project as impressive and commended the standard of construction.
“So far, the quality is very impressive. If this standard is maintained all the way to Enugu, it will be a road that will last for a very long time,” Onanuga said.
He noted that even before completion, completed sections of the road have significantly reduced travel time between Makurdi and Otukpo.
“I learnt that the journey from Makurdi to Otukpo previously took about three hours because of the poor condition of the road. Today, it takes about one and a half hours. That alone shows the impact this project is already making,” he added.
Onanuga described the highway as a critical infrastructure project that would strengthen national integration by improving connectivity between the North Central and South-East regions.
“When roads connect different parts of the country, they improve not only passenger movement but also the transportation of goods and services across state borders. This project will boost commerce, mobility and economic activities,” he said.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for expanding infrastructure development across different parts of the country.
“This is a commendable project, and President Tinubu deserves credit for ensuring that communities across Nigeria benefit from critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges and other development projects,” he said.