The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to focus on repairing Nigeria’s existing roads before starting new highway projects. He argued that many major federal roads have deteriorated badly and now require urgent rehabilitation to improve transport and support economic activities.
In a statement released on Monday, Obi said the government should direct available resources towards maintaining and restoring critical roads instead of launching fresh construction projects or dualising highways that offer limited immediate value. He stressed that road rehabilitation in Nigeria should remain the government’s top infrastructure priority.
The former Anambra State governor highlighted the Asaba–Benin Road as one of the country’s most important transport routes. According to him, the highway connects travellers from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and parts of Benue and Kogi states to Lagos. He noted that large sections of the road have fallen into poor condition, causing severe traffic delays and making travel difficult for commuters, transport operators, and businesses.
Obi maintained that the state of the Asaba–Benin Road reflects the wider condition of many busy federal highways across the country. He insisted that road rehabilitation in Nigeria should take precedence over announcing new infrastructure projects aimed at attracting public attention.
He wrote, **“My Stance on Road Development. 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 dualization projects that offer marginal benefits, our primary focus ought to be on repairing the critical roads already in place.
“Consider, for instance, the Asaba–Benin Road. This thoroughfare is a vital artery within Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure. Travellers traversing from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and portions 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.
“Regrettably, this situation is not unique; it reflects the reality on many of our busiest national highways.
“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. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO.”**
The road rehabilitation in Nigeria debate, Obi said, should centre on fixing essential transport corridors that directly affect millions of Nigerians and drive economic growth.
