Mr Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, has faulted the federal government’s decision to embark on the construction of new road networks without first fixing damaged roads and maintaining existing ones, News.ng reports.
Obi, who made this statement in a post on X on Monday during a stopover along the Asaba-Benin Expressway, reiterated the need for the government to focus on repairing existing critical roads nationwide.
According to the former Governor of Anambra State, the Asaba-Benin Expressway is a major route for travellers from the eastern part of the country heading south and continuing their journeys north.
He lamented the continued neglect of the road, which has unleashed untold hardship, causing heavy traffic gridlock and crippling commercial activities in the region.
He said, “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 utilize 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.”
Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, added that the deplorable condition of the road is a stark reflection of the state of many other roads across the country.
He urged the authorities to shift their focus to reconstructing and maintaining existing transport infrastructure.
According to him, embarking on new road projects merely to gain political accolades should be of less concern than addressing the infrastructure deficit in the transport sector.
“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,” he noted.
