FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the dualisation of the Otukpo township road being executed by the Federal Ministry of Works, with a target completion date of June 2026.
The State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, stated this while briefing journalists Friday 16th January 2026 after an inspection of the ongoing Phase Two of the Makurdi–Ninth Mile dualisation project in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Dr. Ode disclosed that the Benue State Government has partnered with the Federal Government by taking responsibility for compensation along the road corridor from Wurukum Roundabout to Orokam, amounting to over ₦4.6 billion, covering relocation of utilities and compensation for individuals whose properties fall within the right of way and were affected by demolition.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Works for responding positively to the appeal by the administration of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, which led to the redeployment of the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company, to the Otukpo township section of the project. The Deputy Governor added that the Controller of Works has assured the State Government that the project along the Otukpo axis will be completed by June 2026.
According to him, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change will collaborate closely with his office to resolve issues currently slowing down the project. He said the relocation of water pipelines and overhead electricity lines would be completed within the next two weeks to enable the contractor work unhindered toward meeting the project deadline.
Dr. Ode emphasized the significance of the project to the Idoma people, noting that the prolonged abandonment of the road had caused untold hardship. He added that the completed dual carriageway would boost economic activities and enhance the movement of people and goods for the benefit of residents and Nigerians at large.
Speaking on behalf of the contractor, the Site Manager, Mr. Dong Hong Jie, identified the relocation of pipelines and electricity poles as major challenges but assured that work would progress steadily. He pledged that construction would intensify, beginning with the completion of the right-hand side asphalt pavement before the end of next month.
Signed
Bridget Udoo Tarker
For Head of Centre
Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
