The project is officially known as “Construction of Lafia Bypass and Dualization of 9th Mile (Enugu)–Otukpo–Makurdi Road, Phase II of the Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Road Project. Key Project Figures Project Component| Length/Status Lafia Bypass| 15.8 km 9th Mile–Otukpo–Makurdi Phase II Corridor| About 268–268.5 km Makurdi–Otukpo–9th Mile, Section II| Approx. 250.627 km Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi, Phase I| 227.2 km Abuja–Keffi Section, Phase I| 43.65 km one carriageway / 87.3 km both carriageways Lafia Bypass The 15.8-kilometre Lafia Bypass is one of the major recent road infrastructure projects around Lafia, Nasarawa State. The project was originally awarded earlier but experienced delays before construction fully recommenced in February 2024. Following the resumption of work, construction progressed significantly under the renewed construction programme. By 2026, the main construction had been completed, and the bypass was already providing benefits to motorists by helping to reduce congestion and improve movement around Lafia. The 9th Mile–Otukpo–Makurdi Phase II The larger component of the project is the dualisation of the 9th Mile–Otukpo–Makurdi road, which forms part of Phase II of the wider Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi road project. The current Section II description puts this corridor at approximately 250.627 kilometres, while broader project descriptions place the entire Phase II corridor at about 268–268.5 kilometres. The project is intended to provide a stronger and more efficient highway connection between Makurdi, Otukpo and 9th Mile in Enugu State, complementing the existing Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi corridor. Construction of this section is ongoing, with completion targeted for 2027. The Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi corridor is a major strategic road connecting the Federal Capital Territory with Nasarawa and Benue States and onward toward the South-East.
The project is expected to: Reduce travel time between major cities and communities. Improve road safety and ease traffic congestion. Strengthen economic activities along the corridor. Improve the movement of people, agricultural products and goods. Enhance connectivity between the FCT, Nasarawa, Benue and the South-East. Support trade and regional economic development. Project Timeline April 2019: Construction of the original Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi project commenced. February 2024: Construction of the Lafia Bypass fully recommenced. In 2026: The 15.8 km Lafia Bypass was completed, with formal handover/commissioning being prepared. In 2026: Work on the wider 9th Mile–Otukpo–Makurdi Phase II remained ongoing.
In 2027: Targeted completion for the ongoing Makurdi–Otukpo–9th Mile components. The project is designed to create a faster, safer and more economically productive road network linking Abuja through Nasarawa and Benue to Enugu and the wider South-East. Lafia Bypass: 15.8 km Makurdi–Otukpo–9th Mile Section II: approximately 250.627 km Broader Phase II corridor: about 268–268.5 km Phase I Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi: 227.2 km Lafia Bypass construction recommenced: February 2024 Lafia Bypass: Completed by 2026 Makurdi–Otukpo–9th Mile: Ongoing, targeted for completion in 2027 Lafia Bypass Contractor: China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) The project represents a major investment in transportation infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity, mobility, safety and economic development across the Abuja–Nasarawa–Benue–Enugu corridor.