The proposed ₦80 billion Wukari Flyover has triggered renewed debate over development priorities in Taraba State, with activists and opposition figures questioning whether such a large public investment should take precedence over healthcare, water supply and other basic infrastructure.
Activist Abdulmuni Iman, in a recent intervention, presented a simple calculation to illustrate what ₦80 billion could potentially achieve if redirected toward primary healthcare and access to potable water across the state.
The controversy comes amid wider criticism of the proposed flyover. Recent reports indicate that opponents of the project have questioned its cost and priority, while the Taraba State Government has defended the flyover as a long-term infrastructure investment intended to support Wukari's future growth.
THE ₦80 BILLION CALCULATION
Taraba State has 16 Local Government Areas and 168 electoral wards.
Using Iman's proposed figures:
1. PRIMARY HEALTHCARE
If ₦250 million were allocated to establish one standard Primary Healthcare Centre in each of the state's 168 wards:
168 × ₦250 million = ₦42 billion
That would leave:
₦80 billion − ₦42 billion = ₦38 billion
So, under this hypothetical calculation, the entire state could potentially receive one new PHC per ward, while ₦38 billion would remain for other infrastructure and healthcare needs.
2. SOLAR-POWERED WATER PROJECTS
If ₦20 million were used for each 100,000-litre solar-powered community borehole:
₦38 billion ÷ ₦20 million = 1,900 boreholes
This would amount to an average of approximately 11 solar-powered boreholes per ward across the 168 wards, with some funds remaining.
The figures are illustrative estimates based on the costs proposed by the activist, not an official government costing or procurement estimate. Actual construction costs would depend on land, drilling depth, equipment, water quality, logistics, staffing, maintenance and other factors.
The debate therefore goes beyond whether Wukari needs a flyover.
The central question is how government should balance long-term infrastructure projects with immediate social needs.
Supporters of the flyover can argue that major transport infrastructure can improve traffic flow, stimulate economic activity and prepare Wukari for future urban expansion.
Critics, however, argue that communities across Taraba still require better healthcare facilities, potable water, roads, drainage systems and other basic infrastructure.
For them, the opportunity cost of spending ₦80 billion on one project deserves serious public discussion.
TWISDIC INSIGHT:The most important issue is not simply “flyover versus healthcare.”
It is about public priorities, value for money and measurable impact.
An ₦80 billion project should naturally attract questions from citizens because it represents a significant amount of public resources. At the same time, criticism should be accompanied by evidence, alternative proposals and transparent calculations.
If the government can demonstrate the flyover's total cost, funding structure, expected economic benefits, construction timeline and long-term value to Wukari and Taraba, citizens will be in a stronger position to judge the project.
Likewise, if critics propose that the money should instead go into healthcare and water infrastructure, their proposals should include realistic costing, implementation plans and maintenance strategies.
Ultimately, Tarabans deserve development that is not only visible, but measurable in its impact on everyday life.
The conversation should therefore move from political arguments to a more fundamental question:
What investment will deliver the greatest sustainable benefit to the largest number of Tarabans?
Recent reporting on the ₦80 billion Wukari Flyover confirms that the project has become a subject of public and political debate, with the government defending its long-term development rationale and critics questioning its priority.