Obi to FG: Rebuild existing roads before new projects

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has once again called on the federal government to prioritize the repair and maintenance of existing road infrastructure over the initiation of new road construction projects. In two separate statements released via social media platforms—Facebook and X—the former Anambra State governor reiterated his longstanding stance that Nigeria's crumbling road network must be addressed first before any new developments are considered.

In one of the posts, Obi emphasized that numerous major highways across the nation have fallen into disrepair, creating significant challenges for commuters, businesses, and transport operators. He pointed specifically to the Asaba–Benin Road, which serves as a crucial link between multiple states in the South-East, South-South, and parts of the North Central regions and Lagos. According to Obi, the road's poor condition has led to chronic traffic congestion and considerable difficulty for travelers and commercial operations. He stated that the state of the Asaba–Benin Road is representative of the broader issue affecting many of Nigeria's most important highways.

Obi argued that while new road projects often receive public attention, they provide limited immediate benefits compared to the more pressing need to restore existing roads to a functional state. He criticized the tendency of successive governments to pursue politically motivated infrastructure projects without adequately addressing the deterioration of current road systems. His message was clear: the Nigerian people require working roads, not just flashy projects that serve more as symbols of progress than practical solutions.

In another post, Obi reiterated that the country's road infrastructure is in dire need of rehabilitation. He highlighted that the majority of Nigeria's critical highways are in such poor condition that they hinder economic activity and daily life. He stressed that the allocation of resources should be directed toward fixing these roads rather than launching new ones. Obi also expressed concern that many of the proposed new road projects lack the necessary urgency and could divert attention away from the more immediate problem of maintaining existing infrastructure.

The former governor of Anambra State further warned against the practice of using infrastructure projects solely for political visibility. He suggested that such approaches are counterproductive and fail to meet the real needs of the population. Instead, he advocated for a more pragmatic strategy that focuses on improving the reliability and safety of the current road system before moving forward with new initiatives.

Obi’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about the state of Nigeria's infrastructure and the effectiveness of recent government policies. While some analysts argue that new road projects can stimulate economic growth and create jobs, others contend that neglecting existing infrastructure undermines the potential benefits of such investments. Obi’s call for immediate action on the existing road network reflects a growing sentiment among critics who believe that the government has been slow to address the root causes of Nigeria's infrastructural challenges.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether the federal government will respond to Obi's appeal. With upcoming elections approaching, political leaders are increasingly aware of the importance of infrastructure as a campaign issue. However, the challenge lies in balancing the demands for both new and repaired infrastructure while ensuring that limited resources are used effectively. For now, Obi's message underscores a continued push for a more realistic and responsive approach to Nigeria's transportation needs.