President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially launched the construction of a major flyover at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi, Benue State, describing it as a personal gift to Governor Hyacinth Alia in recognition of his commitment to infrastructure development.
The flyover, estimated to cost between $950 million and $1 billion, is being financed by the China Exim Bank and forms part of a much larger 520-kilometre dual carriageway stretching from Makurdi to Ninth Mile in Enugu State.
Details of the project were shared in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, and posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Benue State Government.
At the groundbreaking ceremony held on Saturday, Minister of Works David Umahi represented the president. Umahi praised Governor Alia for his interventions on federal roads, noting that the Makurdi-Ninth Mile road project is the most extensive in any state.
“Benue State alone accounts for 260km of this dual carriageway. That’s 520km in total. There’s no comparable section in any other state,” Umahi said.
“Your Excellency, you truly came in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are a blessed governor.”
Umahi further emphasized that the Wurukum flyover wasn’t originally part of the road project’s blueprint.
According to him, it was specially added at the request of President Tinubu.
“This flyover wasn’t in the original budget. The president instructed that it be included as a gift to Governor Alia,” Umahi stated.
“Benue people have every reason to be grateful, for both divine favour and the president’s love for the state.”
He also commended the governor’s efforts in rehabilitating and constructing roads within the state, calling it a sign of true leadership.
“Governance is demanding, but with God’s grace, you’ll be remembered for your legacy,” he added.
The flyover project is a key component of the second phase of the Makurdi–Ninth Mile Road dualisation, which is segmented into five sections and covers a total of 250.6 kilometres, in addition to a 15.8-kilometre Lafia Bypass, according to Adam Onundi, Project Manager and MD of Yolas Consultants Ltd.
