The Federal Government has officially flagged off the second phase of the Makurdi–9th Mile Dualisation Project, a flagship road initiative expected to transform transportation, agriculture, and commerce across Nigeria’s north-central and southeast regions.
The event, which brought activities in Makurdi to a standstill, marked the start of work on a 200-kilometre stretch, translating into 520 kilometres of dual carriage. Valued at $950 million and financed by the Chinese Ex-Im Bank, the project is regarded as one of the largest legacy road developments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Minister of Works David Umahi, who flagged off the project, praised the pace of progress. “I am very excited and pleasantly shocked with the development that has taken place,” he said, adding that an additional flyover in the plan was a special gesture from President Tinubu to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Representing the president, Governor Alia described the project as a “game changer” that would reshape agriculture and trade in the state and beyond. “People and farmers are now getting into different frames of farming, including vegetables, which by the advent of this road, they’ll be able to harvest in the morning, get over to Abuja to do their fresh farm sales. And it’s one of the great economic experiences we’re going to have,” he said.
Contractors, China Harbor Construction Company, pledged timely delivery with government support on land acquisition and other logistics.
Further commending governor Alia after joining him on an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Makurdi, including the Makurdi–Boko Road and the High-Level Underpass, Umahi said: “The number of roads he has constructed and so many other infrastructure, I am very excited with what he’s doing. Everything is not politics. We must put politics aside and talk about the future of this country.”
Once completed, the Makurdi–9th Mile Dualisation Project is expected to unlock Benue’s agricultural potential, stimulate regional trade, and ease movement along critical economic corridors linking the north-central to the southeast and beyond.
Melissa Enoch
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