FG, Benue Govt to convert Makurdi flyover to dual carriageway

The Federal Government and the Benue State Government have agreed on plans to convert the Wurukum Flyover in Makurdi into a dual carriageway. This move aims to address traffic congestion and enhance vehicular movement in the area. The flyover, which is currently 69.87 per cent complete, was initiated as part of the second phase of the Makurdi–9th Mile Road dualisation project.

Benue's Governor Hyacinth Alia requested the expansion, highlighting the need for increased capacity. The Federal Controller of Works in Benue, Mukaila Danladi, revealed the proposed modifications during an interview with NAN. The original design of the flyover included a total width of 8.4 metres, comprised of two carriageways, a walkway, and a median.

The revised design proposes increasing the carriageway width to 10.3 metres on each side and reducing the median to one metre. This adjustment is anticipated to provide additional road space and improve traffic flow around the busy Wurukum Roundabout. Danladi acknowledged the challenges faced by motorists and residents due to the ongoing construction work and assured that diversions would be introduced to ease movement.

He also cautioned that additional diversions could be implemented once the expansion work commences. The construction of the Wurukum Flyover began on September 15, 2025, as part of the broader Makurdi–9th Mile Road dualisation project. The Federal Government officially launched the project, with the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, describing it as a gift to Benue State from President Bola Tinubu.

Governor Alia, representing President Tinubu, emphasized the project's role in improving transportation and stimulating economic activities in Benue, Enugu, and other parts of the country. The lead consultant on the project, Adam Onundi, revealed that the Makurdi–9th Mile dualisation project is divided into five sections, covering approximately 250.6 kilometres.

The Wurukum Flyover is part of the first section, which includes a 15.8-kilometre Lafia Bypass. According to Danladi, about 150 kilometres of the 250-kilometre road have reached the layer preceding asphalt surfacing, with the final asphalt layer completed on about 87 kilometres. The controller urged motorists to adhere to traffic instructions and cooperate with construction teams working along the affected routes.

The expansion of the Wurukum Flyover is expected to improve traffic movement in Makurdi, although the implementation of the revised design remains subject to approval.