diff --git a/graphics/plotutils/Makefile b/graphics/plotutils/Makefile
index 05b6116438e7..2d401243beb9 100644
--- a/graphics/plotutils/Makefile
+++ b/graphics/plotutils/Makefile
@@ -18,6 +18,8 @@ GNU_CONFIGURE=	yes
 
 .ifdef HAVE_MOTIF
 CONFIGURE_ARGS=	--with-motif
+# to ensure dependency info is generated properly
+REQUIRES_MOTIF=	yes
 .endif
 
 post-install: