Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation of existing roads instead of embarking on new road construction projects.
In a post shared on his X account on Monday, Obi argued that fixing the country’s deteriorating road network should take precedence over launching new projects that offer limited immediate 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,” he wrote.
According to the former Anambra State governor, the government’s attention should be focused on restoring critical highways rather than investing in new road and dualisation projects.
“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,” he stated.
Obi cited the Asaba–Benin Road as an example, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most important transport corridors linking several southern states to Lagos.
He noted that commuters travelling from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and parts of Benue and Kogi rely heavily on the road, yet large sections remain in poor condition.
According to him, the state of the highway has resulted in persistent gridlock and created serious challenges for travellers, businesses and transport operators.
“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,” Obi said.
He added that the situation on the Asaba–Benin Road reflects the condition of many of the country’s busiest highways.
Obi urged the government to channel resources towards reconstructing and maintaining existing roads before announcing fresh infrastructure projects.
“The Nigerian populace requires functional and motorable roads, not merely projects that garner public attention,” he wrote.
He further warned against pursuing projects for political optics at the expense of fixing roads that Nigerians depend on daily.
“Efforts aimed at superficial improvements for political gain should not supersede the urgent need to address the condition of our existing, critical roadways.”