Stop Building New Roads – Peter Obi Tells Nigerian Gov’t

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing roads rather than embarking on new road construction projects.

Obi said the country’s scarce resources should be channelled towards fixing major highways that have fallen into disrepair instead of initiating new projects that, according to him, offer limited immediate benefits.

Naija News reports that Obi made the call in a statement titled “My Stance on Road Development,” via his 𝕏 handle on Monday, June 29.

The former Anambra State governor cited the Asaba-Benin Road as one of the country’s most strategic highways that requires urgent intervention.

According to him, the road serves as a major transport corridor linking several states in the South-East, South-South and parts of the North-Central to Lagos.

“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,” Obi wrote in a statement released via his 𝕏 handle, which he titled – “My Stance on Road Development.”

“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,” Obi said.

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

“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,” he added.

Obi maintained that the government should focus on reconstructing and maintaining critical road infrastructure before announcing fresh road construction and dualisation projects.

According to him, Nigerians are in greater need of safe and motorable roads than new projects designed to attract public attention.

“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 stated.

The former presidential candidate also cautioned against what he described as superficial infrastructure projects driven by political considerations.

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

He reiterated his belief that prudent prioritisation of infrastructure would improve transportation, ease the movement of goods and people, and support economic growth.

Obi concluded the statement with his familiar message, saying, “A new Nigeria is POssible.”