The presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing road infrastructure rather than embarking on new road construction projects.
Obi made the call in a statement posted on his official Facebook page, where he reiterated his long-held position that repairing Nigeria’s critical road network should take precedence over announcing new projects.
According to him, many of the country’s major highways have deteriorated to the point of becoming a burden on commuters, businesses and transport operators, stressing that available resources should be channelled towards restoring existing roads to motorable condition.
He cited the Asaba–Benin Road as an example of a strategic highway that requires urgent intervention, noting that it serves as a major link for travellers from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and parts of Benue and Kogi states travelling to Lagos.
Obi said the deplorable condition of large sections of the road has resulted in persistent traffic congestion and imposed significant hardship on motorists and commercial activities.
He added that the situation on the Asaba–Benin Road mirrors the condition of many other critical 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. The Nigerian populace requires functional and motorable roads, not merely projects that garner public attention,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also argued that projects designed for political visibility should not take precedence over addressing the urgent need to rehabilitate existing road infrastructure.
He maintained that investing in the restoration of critical highways would deliver greater benefits to Nigerians than embarking on new road dualisation and construction projects with limited immediate impact.
Obi ended the statement with his familiar refrain, expressing optimism that “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
