Peter Obi has called on the Federal Government to suspend the construction of new road projects and instead channel resources towards rehabilitating and maintaining existing highways across the country.
In a statement shared on his social media platform on Monday, Obi argued that fixing Nigeria’s deteriorating road infrastructure should take precedence over embarking on new road construction and dualisation projects that, according to him, offer limited immediate benefits.
The former Anambra State governor said successive governments should focus on making existing roads safe and motorable before announcing new infrastructure projects.
Peter Obi
He cited the Asaba–Benin Road as an example of a critical national highway that requires urgent attention, describing it as a major transport corridor linking several states in the South-East, South-South and parts of the North Central region to Lagos.
According to Obi, travellers from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and parts of Benue and Kogi states rely heavily on the road, making its poor condition a serious concern.
He lamented that large sections of the highway have deteriorated, resulting in persistent traffic congestion and hardship for commuters, transport operators and businesses that depend on the route.
Obi said the situation on the Asaba–Benin Road mirrors the condition of many of Nigeria’s busiest federal highways, stressing that the government should concentrate on reconstructing and maintaining critical road infrastructure before embarking on fresh projects.
Peter Obi
“The Nigerian populace requires functional and motorable roads, not merely projects that garner public attention,” he said.
He also cautioned against what he described as superficial infrastructure initiatives driven by political considerations, insisting that addressing the deplorable state of existing roads should take priority over projects designed to attract public attention.
Obi concluded by reiterating his belief that a better Nigeria is achievable through prudent planning and prioritisation of critical national infrastructure.