Barely three years after it was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari at a cost of N38 billion, the Nasarawa–Oweto-Otukpo Federal Road in Benue State has suffered extensive structural failure.
DAILY POST reports that large sections of the road have collapsed and become impassable.
The road, which connects Nasarawa, Oweto, Agatu, Otukpo and links Benue State to the eastern part of the country, was conceived as a strategic alternative corridor to reduce travel time, boost trade and open up rural communities.
Today, it lies abandoned, severely damaged and largely avoided by road users.
A visit to the corridor by DAILY POST revealed multiple failed sections where asphalt has peeled off, shoulders have caved in and erosion has carved deep channels across the carriageway.
In some areas, motorists are forced to divert into nearby bushes to bypass collapsed portions, while other stretches are completely impassable.
Several culverts were also found either exposed or damaged, raising concerns about drainage design and execution.
Despite its strategic importance, the road was largely deserted during this reporter’s tour, particularly between Agatu and Otukpo, as well as from Oweto towards Nasarawa State.
Investigations showed that the collapse of the road coincided with a sharp decline in traffic caused by worsening insecurity along the corridor.
As a result, most commuters now avoid the road entirely, opting instead for the longer Makurdi–Otukpo route, prioritising safety over convenience.
Heavy vehicles accelerated road damage
Further findings by DAILY POST revealed that the heavy influx of articulated vehicles shortly after the road’s completion significantly contributed to its rapid deterioration.
Following the commissioning of the Otukpo–Oweto Road, many long-haul trucks and trailers heading to the eastern part of Nigeria and Benue State reportedly abandoned the Lokoja route, diverting to the new road because of its shorter distance.
The sudden concentration of heavy-duty vehicles, including trailers and tankers, placed enormous pressure on the road, which residents and transport operators believe may not have been designed to carry such sustained axle loads.
A commercial driver, Enoch Adagboyi, who is familiar with the route said:
Gorip Wushiba Habila