Barely three years after it was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari at a cost of ₦38 billion, the Nasarawa–Oweto–Otukpo Federal Road in Benue State has suffered widespread structural failure, raising fresh concerns over project quality and oversight.
Large portions of the road have collapsed and become impassable, leaving what was once celebrated as a strategic transport corridor largely abandoned.
Reports that the road, which links Nasarawa, Oweto, Agatu and Otukpo, and serves as a major connection between Benue State and the eastern part of the country, was designed to cut travel time, boost trade and open up rural communities.
However, findings during a visit by journalists showed that the once-busy corridor now lies in ruins, with most road users avoiding it entirely.
Multiple failed sections were observed, with asphalt peeling off the surface, road shoulders caving in and erosion cutting deep channels across the carriageway.
In some locations, motorists are forced to divert into surrounding bushes to bypass collapsed segments, while other stretches are completely impassable.
Several culverts were also found exposed or badly damaged, raising questions about drainage design and construction quality.
Despite its economic importance, the road was largely deserted during the inspection, particularly between Agatu and Otukpo, as well as from Oweto towards Nasarawa State.
Investigations revealed that the road’s collapse coincided with a sharp drop in traffic following worsening insecurity along the corridor.
Most commuters now prefer the longer Makurdi–Otukpo route, choosing safety over convenience.
Further findings revealed that the heavy influx of articulated vehicles shortly after the road’s completion significantly contributed to its rapid deterioration.
After the commissioning of the Otukpo–Oweto axis, many long-haul trucks and trailers heading to the eastern part of Nigeria reportedly abandoned the Lokoja route in favour of the shorter road.
Residents and transport operators believe the road may not have been designed to withstand sustained axle loads from trailers and fuel tankers.
A commercial driver, Enoch Adagboyi, said, “After the road was opened, trailers and tankers took over the place. It didn’t take long before the surface started breaking.”
Experts also pointed to the absence of functional weighbridges and axle-load enforcement, which allowed overloaded vehicles to operate unchecked, accelerating the failure of the pavement and sub-base layers.
Ironically, with the road now severely damaged and insecurity rising, these heavy vehicles have also abandoned the route and diverted to Makurdi.
Beyond structural failure, frequent kidnappings and armed attacks along adjoining corridors have contributed significantly to the road’s abandonment.
In November 2025, gunmen reportedly abducted six passengers along the Ogobia–Adoka road.
There have also been repeated reports of ambushes along routes linking Otukpo, Agatu, Adoka and Ogobia, with security sources confirming the presence of criminal hideouts in nearby forests.
These incidents have instilled fear among motorists, transport unions and even maintenance workers, making regular use and upkeep of the road almost impossible.
Commercial drivers expressed frustration over the fate of the ₦38bn project.
“The road started failing too early. Even before the collapse became serious, people stopped using it because of kidnappers. Today, it’s not safe and not motorable, “ Daily Post quoted Joseph Onche, a driver, as saying.
Another motorist added, “We were happy when it was commissioned. Now it looks like the money was wasted.”
Traders, Farmers Count Losses
Residents and traders in Agatu lamented the economic impact of the road’s collapse.
A resident, Margaret Ichalefu, said, “Before, vehicles passed here every day. We sold food, fish and farm produce. Now the road is empty.”
Residents also complained that access to healthcare, schools and emergency services has become increasingly difficult due to the road’s condition.
Infrastructure experts have raised serious questions over how a federal road valued at ₦38bn could fail within such a short period, calling for an urgent probe into construction standards, supervision and accountability.
Experts Question Quality Of ₦38bn Otukpo–Oweto Road
Infrastructure experts have raised serious concerns over how a federal road project valued at ₦38bn could fail barely three years after completion, describing the development as a red flag for project quality and accountability.
A civil engineer, Simon Adakole, attributed the early collapse of the Otukpo–Oweto Road to possible design defects, substandard construction materials, poor drainage systems or inadequate supervision.
“A road of that cost should last far beyond three years, even without major maintenance,” Adakole said.
The Otukpo–Oweto Road falls under federal jurisdiction, but there has been no comprehensive public explanation from the Federal Ministry of Works or the contractors responsible for the project.
The Loko–Oweto Bridge and the associated Oweto–Otukpo road network were primarily handled by Reynolds Construction Company Nigeria Limited, an Israeli firm. The project, which spans the River Benue to link Nasarawa and Benue states, was awarded in November 2011.
According to the media, repeated attempts to obtain comments from the contractors proved unsuccessful, as calls placed to their head office were not answered.
Naija News understands that the Managing Director of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Agbasi, has yet to issue any official statement in response to the development as he could not be reached by journalists as at the time of filing this report.
FERMA, Maintenance Gaps And Insecurity
Analysts also blamed the rapid deterioration on the absence of timely intervention by FERMA, noting that early signs of failure may have been ignored or left unattended.
They further observed that worsening insecurity along the corridor likely hindered routine inspections and emergency maintenance works.
Security experts warned that abandoned highways deteriorate faster, as erosion, vandalism and lack of constant monitoring accelerate damage once traffic declines.
For residents of Benue South, the collapse of the Otukpo–Oweto corridor has become a painful reminder of failed infrastructure planning, weak oversight and the persistent lack of accountability in public projects.
Many fear that without a thorough investigation and urgent remedial action, the ₦38bn road may remain unusable, further deepening economic hardship and isolation in the affected communities.