Peter Obi has criticized the Federal Government’s approach to road infrastructure, arguing that priority should be given to rehabilitating Nigeria’s existing highways rather than embarking on new road construction and dualization projects.
In a post shared on X, the former presidential candidate said he has consistently maintained that the country’s deteriorating road network should be repaired before new projects are announced.
According to Obi, many of Nigeria’s busiest highways have become death traps and economic bottlenecks, making the rehabilitation of existing roads more urgent than launching fresh infrastructure projects.
Using the Asaba–Benin Road as an example, Obi described the highway as one of Nigeria’s most strategic transport corridors, serving commuters and businesses travelling between Lagos and several southern and central states, including Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, as well as parts of Benue and Kogi.
He lamented that large sections of the road have fallen into disrepair, resulting in prolonged traffic gridlock, delays, and hardship for motorists, transport operators, and businesses that depend on the route.
Obi said the condition of the Asaba-Benin Road mirrors the state of many critical federal highways across the country.
“Our efforts should be directed towards the reconstruction and maintenance of our current road infrastructure before we announce plans for new road projects,” he said.
He added that Nigerians need roads that are functional and motorable rather than projects designed to attract public attention.
The former Anambra governor further argued that political considerations should not take precedence over addressing the poor condition of critical road infrastructure, insisting that repairing existing highways would deliver more immediate benefits to citizens and the economy.
