N198bn Oweto–Otukpo road project stalls as contractor fails to mobilise

Residents of Benue State may have to wait longer for the commencement of the N198 billion Oweto–Otukpo road project as the contractor handling the strategic highway is yet to mobilise to site.

The Federal Controller of Works in Benue State, Engr. Mukaila Danladi, disclosed this while providing updates on ongoing federal road projects across the state. According to him, although several road projects are progressing steadily, work is yet to begin on the Oweto–Otukpo corridor despite the award of the contract.

Danladi described the project as one of the critical road contracts awaiting mobilisation, noting that the contractor responsible for the road has not moved equipment or personnel to site.

He said the project, valued at about N198 billion, is expected to link Oweto Bridge with Otukpo and improve connectivity across parts of Benue State when completed.

The development has raised concerns among residents and motorists who rely on the corridor for transportation and economic activities. Many road users have repeatedly called for the reconstruction of the route, citing its importance to commerce, agriculture and inter-state movement.

The latest disclosure comes amid reports of progress on other federal road projects in the state. Danladi said construction work on the Makurdi–Otukpo–Ninth Mile–Enugu dual carriageway is advancing steadily, with substantial sections already completed up to binder and asphalt levels.

He also revealed that significant progress has been recorded on the Oju–Adu–Okoko road project, where about 18 kilometres of the 23.8-kilometre road have already been completed.

While assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to secure approvals and address challenges affecting road infrastructure across the state, the Controller said the ministry remains committed to improving critical transportation corridors.

The Oweto–Otukpo road is regarded as a major economic route for communities in Benue South and surrounding areas, and residents hope that the contractor will soon mobilise to site to commence construction on the long-awaited project.