Obi urges FG to fix existing roads before new projects

A former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation of existing roads instead of embarking on new road construction projects.

Obi made the call in a post shared on his X handle on Monday, where he argued that repairing critical highways would deliver greater benefits to Nigerians than initiating new projects.

According to him, successive governments should focus on restoring the country’s deteriorating road network before announcing fresh road projects or dualisation schemes.

“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 wrote.

Citing the Asaba–Benin Road as an example, Obi described the highway as a vital transport corridor linking several states in the South-East, South-South and parts of the North Central to Lagos.

He lamented that large sections of the road had deteriorated, resulting in persistent gridlock and hardship for commuters, businesses and transport operators.

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“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 noted that the situation on the Asaba–Benin Road reflected the condition of many of Nigeria’s busiest highways, calling for greater attention to their reconstruction and maintenance.

“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.