FG, Benue Govt to convert Makurdi flyover to dual carriageway
Wurukum Flyover Expansion to Enhance Traffic Flow
The Federal Government is moving forward with plans to expand the Wurukum Flyover in Makurdi, following a request from Governor Hyacinth Alia. The project is currently 69.87% complete, as confirmed by Mukaila Danladi, the Federal Controller of Works in Benue. Danladi spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during an interview on Friday.
He noted that the proposed expansion will require a review of several components of the ongoing construction and that work on the revised design will commence once the necessary approvals are secured. The initial design included a total width of 8.4 meters, featuring two carriageways of 3.65 meters each, alongside a 0.7-meter walkway and a 0.4-meter median. The revised plan aims to increase the width of the carriageways to 10.3 meters and adjust the median to one meter.
Danladi indicated that these adjustments are intended to enhance road capacity and improve traffic flow, particularly around the busy Wurukum Roundabout. He acknowledged the challenges faced by motorists and nearby residents due to ongoing construction and urged patience during the process. “Once the review is approved, we plan to introduce some diversions around that location,” he said.
He explained that some earlier traffic diversions had been lifted to facilitate movement, but he cautioned that additional changes to traffic patterns could occur when the expansion work begins. Delays in certain sections of the project have been attributed to the ongoing review of the design. However, Danladi expressed optimism for accelerated construction as the rainy season comes to an end.
Construction of the Wurukum Flyover officially commenced on September 15, 2025, as part of the second phase of the Makurdi–9th Mile Road dualization project. At the project’s flag-off ceremony, Works Minister Dave Umahi described the flyover as a “gift” from President Bola Tinubu to Benue State. Umahi further stated that the broader road project is expected to enhance transportation and stimulate economic activities in Benue, Enugu, and beyond.
Governor Alia, who represented President Tinubu at the event, noted that the project will facilitate the movement of agricultural products and strengthen connectivity between Nigeria’s North-east, South-east, and South-south regions. The lead consultant, Adam Onundi, revealed that the Makurdi–9th Mile dualization project is divided into five sections spanning approximately 250.6 kilometers, which includes the 15.8-kilometer Lafia Bypass. The Wurukum Flyover is part of the first section of this road initiative.
In providing an update on the broader Makurdi–Otukpo–Ninth Mile–Enugu Road project, Danladi stated that construction is progressing well. He mentioned that about 150 kilometers of the approximately 250-kilometer stretch has reached the stage prior to asphalt surfacing, while approximately 87 kilometers have completed the final asphalt layer.
Danladi urged motorists to follow traffic directives and cooperate with construction teams working along the affected routes. The proposed expansion of the Wurukum Flyover is anticipated to improve traffic movement in Makurdi, although the implementation of the revised design will depend on official approval.
