Group urges FG to prioritize fixing N/Delta Highway

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A group under the auspices of the Common Good Letter Initiative has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to focus on the permanent rehabilitation of the East–West Road, describing it as the economic backbone of the Niger Delta and a critical infrastructure challenge for his administration.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Rev. David Ugolor, the group noted that the road is “not merely another federal highway” but a vital link connecting communities, industries, ports, oil and gas facilities, universities, and millions of Nigerians whose livelihoods rely on safe transportation.
“The permanent rehabilitation of the East–West Road has the potential to transform the economy of the Niger Delta and significantly boost Nigeria’s national development.
“Yet, despite decades of promises, substantial public spending, and repeated budget allocations, large sections of the road remain in poor condition,” Ugolor stated.
He highlighted that the consequences are evident daily in avoidable accidents, severe traffic congestion, rising transport costs, insecurity, lost investments, and needless human suffering.
Ugolor mentioned that members of the National Assembly are beginning to speak out. He cited Distinguished Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who, along with other senators, initiated legislative measures that led to a resolution and a visit from an Abyc committee to affected sections of the road. Oshiomhole also questioned the Federal Ministry of Works’ priorities, calling for an end to the neglect of critical federal roads in Edo and Delta States.
The statement also referenced Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, who argued that major highways like the East–West Road require comprehensive rehabilitation rather than ongoing patchwork repairs, and urged greater investment in maintaining existing national roads.
“These are not isolated opinions. They are serious observations from leaders occupying some of the highest offices in Nigeria’s legislature.
“The inconvenient truth, however, is that the people of the Niger Delta have yet to experience the change they desperately need,” he noted.
He further lamented the silence of many regional stakeholders. “Too many political leaders, business leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures in the Niger Delta have chosen caution over action.
According to him, “when united advocacy is needed most, personal and institutional interests too often take priority over the Common Good. History will judge us all—not just by our offices, but by the causes we stand for.”
Ugolor noted that the Niger Delta currently holds a unique position in Nigeria’s political scene, with the Senate President, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Works, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and several influential lawmakers all from the region. This, he said, presents a rare opportunity to secure the permanent completion of the road.
He called on Minister of Works to ensure strategic national roads receive proper attention and to improve transparency regarding project priorities, contract implementation, funding, and timelines for the East–West road.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu now has the chance to turn this challenge into one of the most significant infrastructure achievements of his administration.
“Completing the East–West Road would boost economic growth, enhance national security, lower transportation costs, attract investment, create jobs, and demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to developing the Niger Delta,” he said.