The Federal Government has expressed optimism that the ongoing construction of the Lafia Bypass and the dualization of the 9th Mile (Enugu)–Otukpo–Makurdi Road will be completed ahead of schedule, following significant progress on the project.
When inspecting Section Two of the road project, the Federal Controller of Works, Engineer Mukada Danladi, said the project had recorded major milestones and attributed some of its improvements to design modifications introduced by the Minister of Works, Engineer Dave Umahi. 
According to Danladi, the minister, a civil engineer, reviewed the original road design after assuming office and directed that the shoulders be upgraded from surface dressing to hard shoulders to improve durability and reduce erosion.
He explained that the revised design extends the stone base, binder course, and wearing course to the shoulder, strengthening the entire pavement structure and ensuring a longer service life.
“The hard shoulder provides greater structural integrity and prevents the erosion that was experienced with the previous surface-dressed shoulders,” he said.
Danladi noted that Section Two of the project spans from Aliade (Chainage 55+850) to Otukpo (Chainage 108+900). He disclosed that about 76 kilometres of the binder course had already been completed.
The project commenced on February 1, 2024, and was originally scheduled for completion on January 1, 2028. However, he said the Minister of Works had directed contractors to accelerate construction, raising expectations that the project could now be completed by December 2027.
Also speaking, the contractor’s representative, Engineer Tijani Olalekon, confirmed that Section Two, covering nearly 50 kilometres, had made substantial progress.
According to him, approximately 72.6 kilometres of the dual carriageway have already been completed up to the wearing course level on both carriageways.
“We are working towards the revised completion target of December 2027,” Olalekon said, adding that construction activities are progressing simultaneously across the five sections into which the overall project has been divided.
He noted that while his responsibility covers Section Two, work is also advancing on other sections, including the 9th Mile axis under the supervision of the Federal Controller of Works for Enugu State.
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement, Frederick Nwabufo, said the inspection tour was aimed at showcasing ongoing infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Addressing journalists during the visit, Nwabufo said the administration’s investments in road infrastructure and other sectors demonstrate visible progress across the country.
“We are on the ground inspecting these projects, and the progress is there for everyone to see. Across roads, health, education and other sectors, there are visible signs of development,” he said.
The inspection formed part of a broader assessment of federal infrastructure projects in Benue State, where government officials and members of the presidential communications team evaluated the pace and quality of ongoing construction works.