Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to concentrate on rehabilitating existing roads across the country rather than initiating new road construction projects.
Obi made the appeal in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, arguing that restoring Nigeria’s major highways would have a greater impact on citizens than embarking on fresh road projects.
According to him, governments at all levels should prioritise repairing the nation’s deteriorating road infrastructure before announcing new highways or embarking on road dualisation initiatives.
“There is a pertinent reason I have consistently advocated that we should refrain from initiating new road construction projects until we have thoroughly rehabilitated and maintained our existing road network.
“Instead of undertaking new ventures and dualisation projects that offer marginal benefits, our primary focus ought to be on repairing the critical roads already in place,” he stated.
Using the Asaba–Benin Road as an example, Obi described the highway as one of the country’s most important transport corridors, serving commuters and businesses travelling between several southern states, parts of the North Central region and Lagos.
He expressed concern that extensive sections of the road have deteriorated badly, creating severe traffic congestion and causing hardship for motorists, commercial transport operators and businesses.
“Consider, for instance, the Asaba–Benin Road. This thoroughfare is a vital artery within Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure. Travellers from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and parts of Benue and Kogi States to Lagos are compelled to utilise this route.
“Despite its significance, substantial sections of this road are in a lamentable condition. It has become a major impediment, precipitating persistent traffic congestion and inflicting undue hardship on travellers, businesses, and transport operators,” he said.
Obi maintained that the poor condition of the Asaba–Benin Road reflects the broader state of many strategic highways across the country, stressing that they deserve urgent intervention.
He insisted that repairing and maintaining existing roads should take precedence over launching new infrastructure projects that may deliver limited immediate benefits.
“Our efforts should be directed towards the reconstruction and maintenance of our current road infrastructure before we announce plans for new road projects.
“The Nigerian populace requires functional and motorable roads, not merely projects that garner public attention.
“Efforts aimed at superficial improvements for political gain should not supersede the urgent need to address the condition of our existing, critical roadways,” he added.
