By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has commissioned a series of emergency and special intervention road and bridge projects across Benue State, reinforcing its commitment to infrastructure renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The commissioning formed part of a nationwide media tour organised by the Federal Ministry of Works to showcase progress on critical infrastructure aimed at enhancing connectivity, stimulating economic growth, and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Mohammed A. Ahmed, the tour covered key corridors including the Katsina Ala–Takum Road, Katsina Ala–Calabar Road at Ushongo and Atihi, Old Makurdi–Wukari Road, Otukpo–Oshegbudu–Oweto Road, and the Makurdi–Otukpo–9th Mile–Enugu Road.
Providing a technical update at the Katsina Ala–Takum Road site, the Federal Controller of Works in Benue State, Engr. Mukaila Danladi, disclosed that work had progressed significantly to binder and sub-base levels, while preparations were ongoing for hydraulic structures. He explained that although the contractor, Messrs Gerawa Global Engineering (Nigeria) Limited, initially faced security concerns and operational constraints related to construction equipment, the issues were being addressed to sustain steady progress.
At Ushongo and Atihi communities along the Katsina Ala–Calabar corridor, Danladi confirmed that emergency repairs had been completed, including the construction of a 100-metre line drain to tackle persistent flooding that previously submerged the road and disrupted traffic.
He noted that the corridor is a vital route for transporting agricultural produce and mineral resources, and that the intervention would improve durability and ensure all-weather accessibility.
Professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and the Nigerian Society of Engineers, commended the Federal Government for the quality and pace of work.
“The levels of work delivered and ongoing reflect a strong commitment to engineering standards, safety, and long-term durability,” representatives of the organisations stated.
Representing the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, the Chairman of the Benue State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Vincent Nyinongu, formally commissioned the projects, describing them as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s resolve to prioritise infrastructure that directly impacts livelihoods by connecting people, goods, and services.
In Agasha town, Guma Local Government Area, flood mitigation and special repair works on the Old Makurdi–Wukari Road were also commissioned, highlighting the administration’s response to climate-related infrastructure challenges.
Similarly, flood mitigation and repairs at kilometre 19 in Ushongo and kilometre 35 in Atihi along the Katsina Ala–Calabar Road were completed, involving extensive pavement and drainage works to ensure improved mobility along the economic corridor.
The media team also inspected ongoing work on the dualisation of the Makurdi–Otukpo–9th Mile–Enugu Road, a strategic route that had suffered decades of neglect.
The Federal Controller of Works disclosed that construction commenced on February 1, 2024, after resolving initial constraints such as security challenges, right-of-way acquisition, and relocation of utilities.
He revealed that the Benue State Government had achieved 100 percent right-of-way acquisition, while utility relocation had reached about 98 percent, enabling unhindered construction.
According to him, the project has recorded over 48 percent completion and remains on track for delivery.
Corroborating the progress, Engr. Tijani Olalekan of China Harbour Engineering Company said the contractor remained committed to timely execution.
“The pace of work reflects our dedication to meeting the project’s timelines. We have achieved substantial progress on binder and wearing courses, while hydraulic structures are being completed across multiple locations,” he said, adding that support from the Benue State Government had helped resolve earlier challenges.
At the Buruku Bridge project site over River Katsina Ala, linking Benue and Taraba States, the Federal Ministry of Works expressed appreciation to the Benue State Government for approving compensation payments to affected persons.
The Project Manager of Messrs Setraco (Nigeria) Limited expressed optimism that the compensation would accelerate work.
“With the payment of compensation, the work will gather a renewed momentum,” he assured.
The ministry noted that the media tour provided an opportunity to demonstrate accountability and reinforce public confidence in the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda.
It added that the successful commissioning and ongoing execution of the projects reflect a clear commitment to national integration, economic development, and improved living standards for citizens.
