Peter Obi Blasts FG: Stop Building New Roads, Fix Nigeria’s Death Traps First
By Passman Akpos
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s existing road infrastructure instead of embarking on new road construction and dualisation projects that, according to him, offer little immediate benefit to Nigerians.
In a statement titled “My Stance on Road Development,” Obi argued that the nation’s limited resources should be directed towards repairing critical highways that millions of Nigerians depend on daily rather than announcing new projects.
He singled out the Asaba–Benin Road as a prime example of neglected infrastructure, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most important transport corridors connecting travellers from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and parts of Benue and Kogi States to Lagos.
According to Obi, large sections of the highway have deteriorated significantly, resulting in persistent gridlock, increased transportation costs, delays in the movement of goods and services, and untold hardship for motorists, businesses, and commuters.
“The Nigerian populace requires functional and motorable roads, not merely projects that garner public attention,” Obi stated.
He maintained that the poor state of many of Nigeria’s busiest federal highways underscores the need for government to shift its focus from launching new road projects to reconstructing and maintaining existing ones.
Obi also cautioned against what he described as superficial infrastructure initiatives driven by political considerations, insisting that such efforts should not take precedence over fixing critical road networks that directly impact economic activities and the daily lives of citizens.
Reiterating his vision for national development, the former Anambra State governor concluded his statement with his familiar message: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
Obi’s remarks are expected to spark fresh debate over the Federal Government’s infrastructure priorities, especially as Nigerians continue to complain about the worsening condition of several major highways across the country despite ongoing road projects.
