The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has urged the Federal Government to prioritise repairing Nigeria’s existing road network before embarking on new road construction projects, saying many critical highways have deteriorated and require urgent attention.
Obi made the call in a statement shared on Monday, where he argued that government resources should be directed at rehabilitating and maintaining existing roads instead of launching new projects or dualising roads that provide limited immediate benefits.
He identified the Asaba–Benin Road as one of the country’s most important transport corridors, noting that it serves as the major route linking travellers from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and parts of Benue and Kogi states to Lagos.
According to him, large sections of the highway have fallen into disrepair, resulting in persistent traffic congestion and creating serious challenges for commuters, transport operators and businesses that depend on the route.
Obi said the poor condition of the Asaba–Benin Road reflects the state of many of Nigeria’s busiest federal highways, stressing that restoring existing roads should take precedence over announcing fresh infrastructure projects.
He maintained that Nigerians need safe and motorable roads rather than projects designed to attract public attention, adding that political considerations should not outweigh the urgent need to reconstruct and maintain critical road infrastructure.
The former Anambra State governor reiterated that improving the nation’s existing road network remains essential to easing transportation challenges and supporting economic activities across the country.
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.
