Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as significant investments in road and other infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
Onanuga made the remarks during an inspection of the ongoing Makurdi–Otukpo–Obolo-Afor–Enugu dual carriageway by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team.
The team, led by Onanuga, is touring completed and ongoing federal and state-funded projects across Benue State to assess their progress and impact.
Speaking during the inspection, Onanuga described the highway as an important infrastructure project capable of improving transportation, expanding commercial activities and strengthening ties between different parts of the country.
He noted that the improved condition of the road had already reduced the travel time between Makurdi and Otukpo from about three hours to roughly one and a half hours.
According to him, the project demonstrates the Tinubu administration’s commitment to addressing infrastructure needs across different regions.
Onanuga also stressed the strategic importance of the highway, saying its connection between the North Central and South East would make the movement of people, agricultural products and other goods easier.
He added that better road connectivity would enhance trade between states and contribute to stronger economic integration across the country.
Meanwhile, the Federal Controller of Works in Benue State, Mukaila Danladi, disclosed that the 258-kilometre dual carriageway had been split into five sections to make construction more manageable.
Danladi explained that the road passes through Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi and Enugu states, linking several important commercial and economic centres.
He said approximately 178 kilometres of the project are located within Benue State, while the portion currently being inspected covers 50 kilometres on each carriageway, amounting to 100 kilometres.
The controller said contractors had completed about 86 kilometres of binder course across both carriageways, describing the progress as encouraging despite challenges posed by the rainy season.
He explained that adverse weather conditions had slowed some earthworks, but assured that construction activities had continued.
According to him, contractors are currently focusing on drainage works and hydraulic structures while waiting for more favourable weather conditions for other aspects of construction.
Danladi reaffirmed that the Federal Government expects the project to be completed within the 48-month contractual period, with the scheduled completion date set for December 2027.
He further explained that the highway constitutes the second phase of the Abuja–Akwanga–Nasarawa–Makurdi road corridor, extending the dualisation from Makurdi through Otukpo and Obolo-Afor to Enugu.
The project is being financed through a combination of a China EXIM Bank loan and counterpart funding from the Federal Government, with China Harbour Engineering Company responsible for its execution.
Upon completion, the highway is expected to improve road safety, shorten travel time, facilitate the transportation of farm produce and strengthen commercial and economic activities across the states along the route.