Barely three years after its commissioning 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.
Large sections of the road have collapsed and become impassable. The corridor, which connects Nasarawa, Oweto, Agatu, and Otukpo, linking Benue State to the eastern part of the country, was originally designed as a strategic alternative route to reduce travel time, boost trade, and open up rural communities.
Today, it lies abandoned, severely damaged, and largely avoided by road users. Inspections of the corridor 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 construction quality.
Despite its strategic importance, traffic along the road is minimal, particularly between Agatu and Otukpo, as well as from Oweto towards Nasarawa State. Investigations indicate that the collapse coincided with a sharp decline in road usage due to worsening insecurity along the corridor.
As a result, most commuters now avoid the road entirely, opting instead for the longer Makurdi–Otukpo route, prioritizing safety over convenience.
The deterioration of the Nasarawa–Oweto-Otukpo Federal Road underscores ongoing challenges in road maintenance, security, and infrastructure oversight in the region, raising questions about sustainability and accountability in major public works projects.
