N38bn Nasarawa–Oweto-Otukpo Road collapses three years after Buhari’s commissioning
Structural Failures Plague Newly Commissioned Federal Road in Benue State
Just three years after its inauguration by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nasarawa–Oweto-Otukpo Federal Road in Benue State has experienced significant structural failure and is now largely impassable. The road, built at an estimated cost of N38 billion, was intended to serve as a vital trade corridor linking Nasarawa, Oweto, Agatu, and Otukpo while enhancing access to eastern Nigeria.
According to reports, extensive sections of the roadway have collapsed, compelling motorists to seek alternative routes, often diverting into adjacent bush areas to bypass damaged segments. A recent examination revealed various failed areas where asphalt has eroded, the shoulders have caved, and erosion has formed deep channels across the roadway.
The road serves a crucial role in the region, yet traffic has sharply declined, especially between Agatu and Otukpo, as ongoing insecurity has deterred most commuters. Many now prefer the longer Makurdi-Otukpo route for safety reasons.
Heavy Vehicle Traffic Accelerates Deterioration
Investigations indicate that the influx of heavy commercial vehicles soon after the road’s completion has contributed to its rapid degradation. Many long-haul trucks and trailers redirected to the new road due to its shorter distance, applying unexpected pressure on a structure that local stakeholders believe may not have been adequately designed for such heavy loads. Enoch Adagboyi, a commercial driver familiar with the route, noted the swift deterioration when heavy vehicles began to frequent the area.
Experts underline the absence of functional weighbridges and axle-load regulations, allowing overloaded vehicles to operate unregulated and exacerbating the deterioration of the roadway.
Insecurity and Abandonment
In addition to structural issues, the threat of kidnappings and armed attacks along the road has contributed to its decline in use. In November 2025, six passengers were reportedly abducted along the nearby Ogobia-Adoka road. Security sources have confirmed that criminal activities are prevalent in surrounding forested areas, further dissuading road use.
Reports from motorists indicate frustrations over the road’s conditions. “The road started failing too early,” said Joseph Onche, a commercial driver, emphasizing safety concerns that led many to abandon it. Traders and farmers have also reported declines in commercial activities as vehicle traffic dwindles, affecting local economies.
Concerns Over Quality and Oversight
Infrastructure experts question how a road designed to last beyond three years could fail so quickly. Civil engineer Simon Adakole cited potential design flaws, use of substandard materials, inadequate drainage, or poor oversight as contributing factors to the roadway’s early collapse.
Efforts to reach the Federal Ministry of Works, responsible for the project, and Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Nigeria Limited, which constructed the road, have yielded no responses.
Federal Intervention and Maintenance Gaps
Analysts highlight the need for timely intervention from the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), noting that signs of disrepair may have been overlooked due to security concerns. Security experts warn that deteriorating infrastructure invites further damage from erosion and vandalism when routine inspections are neglected.
For residents of Benue South, the failing Otukpo–Oweto road symbolizes broader issues of infrastructure planning and accountability that continue to affect the region.
