Stop awarding bogus road projects, fix deplorable ones, Obi tells Tinubu 

Peter Obi stands on a failed road section
facebook sharing button The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, says the administration of President Bola Tinubu should prioritise rehabilitation of existing road networks instead of awarding new ones just to garner public attention.
In a post on his X handle on Monday, Obi noted that many critical highways across the country remain in “lamentable conditions”.

The former governor of Anambra also shared photographs from recent visits to several deteriorating sections of major roads across the country.

“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 networks,” he said.

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“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 referenced the derelict sections of the Asaba–Benin road, describing it as a major corridor linking several parts of the country.

“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,” he said.

“Despite its significance, substantial sections of this road are in a lamentable condition.”

He noted that the poor state of the road has become a major impediment, precipitating persistent traffic congestion and inflicting undue hardship on travellers, businesses, and transport operators.

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“Regrettably, this situation is not unique; it reflects the reality on many of our busiest national highways,” Obi stated.

“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 Nigerians require functional and motorable roads, not just 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 added.

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