Peter Obi Calls On FG To Prioritise Existing Roads Over New Projects

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing roads rather than embarking on new road construction projects.

Obi made the call in a statement posted on his X page on Monday, stressing that repairing critical highways should take precedence over launching new road projects with what he described as marginal benefits.

“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,” Obi said.

“Instead of undertaking new ventures and dualization projects that offer marginal benefits, our primary focus ought to be on repairing the critical roads already in place.”

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The former Anambra State governor cited the Asaba–Benin Road as an example of a major highway requiring urgent attention, noting that it serves as a key transport corridor for travellers from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and parts of Benue and Kogi states heading to Lagos.

“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 stated.

Obi said the situation on the Asaba–Benin Road reflects the poor state of many of Nigeria’s busiest highways, arguing that the government should focus on restoring existing infrastructure before initiating new projects.

“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,” he said.

He further warned against giving priority to projects aimed at political visibility instead of addressing the country’s urgent infrastructure needs.

“Efforts aimed at superficial improvements for political gain should not supersede the urgent need to address the condition of our existing, critical roadways,” Obi added.