258km Makurdi-Otukpo-Enugu Highway Set for Completion by 2027
FG Pushes 2027 Completion of Major Makurdi–Enugu Highway Corridor
The Federal Government has assured that the 258km dualised Makurdi–Otukpo–Obolo-Afor–Enugu highway will be completed by December 2027, as work continues on the major transport corridor linking Benue and Enugu states.
The Federal Controller of Works in Benue State, Mukaila Danladi, disclosed the target during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in the state by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team.
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Project Forms Part of Major Transport Corridor
According to Danladi, the highway constitutes the second phase of the Abuja–Akwanga–Nasarawa–Makurdi corridor, extending the dualisation from Makurdi through Otukpo and Obolo-Afor to Enugu.
The first phase of the corridor has been completed, while the current phase is being financed through a combination of China EXIM Bank funding and Federal Government budgetary resources.
The Federal Government said approximately 265km of work had been achieved along the broader corridor, with hydraulic structures and other construction activities continuing despite challenges associated with the rainy season.
China Harbour Engineering Company is handling the project and remains committed to meeting the December 2027 completion target, according to the Federal Controller.
Potential Boost for Regional Connectivity
The highway is strategically important because it connects communities and economic centres across North-Central and South-Eastern Nigeria.
Once completed, the dual carriageway should improve the movement of people, agricultural produce, construction materials and other goods while reducing travel constraints along the corridor.
Better road connectivity can also improve access to markets and make previously less accessible locations more attractive to businesses and investors.
Implications for Housing and Real Estate
For the housing market, major transport infrastructure can have a significant effect on the development potential of areas along a highway corridor.
Improved accessibility can increase demand for residential land, commercial properties, logistics facilities and mixed-use developments. Developers may also find locations outside established urban centres more viable as transportation links improve.
The Makurdi–Otukpo–Enugu corridor could therefore experience increased development activity if the highway is delivered as planned and supported by complementary infrastructure such as electricity, water, drainage and social amenities.
Infrastructure Could Unlock New Growth Corridors
The project also has implications for regional urban expansion.
As travel times and transportation costs improve, communities along the corridor could become more closely integrated with larger economic centres. This can encourage the development of new housing estates, commercial hubs and industrial activities.
However, the extent of the property-market impact will depend on the availability of supporting infrastructure and effective land-use planning to prevent uncoordinated development along the highway.
Why It Matters to NHM
Nigeria's housing growth increasingly depends on infrastructure that expands the areas where people can live, work and invest.
The completion of the Makurdi–Otukpo–Enugu highway could help create a more connected regional property market while supporting trade, construction and economic activity across Benue and Enugu and surrounding areas.
For developers and investors, the project is particularly relevant as improved transport corridors can create new investment frontiers beyond established city centres.
Outlook
The Federal Government's December 2027 deadline places greater focus on execution and timely completion. If delivered as planned, the highway could become an important catalyst for regional connectivity, economic activity and property development across the Makurdi-Otukpo-Enugu corridor.
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