Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation and maintenance of the country's existing road network over the construction of new roads, warning that many critical highways have deteriorated into "lamentable" conditions and are inflicting severe hardship on commuters, businesses, and transport operators.
Obi made the call in a statement titled "My Stance on Road Development," which he shared on his verified X handle on Monday, June 29, 2026. In the post, he argued that Nigeria's scarce resources should be directed towards fixing major highways that have fallen into disrepair rather than initiating new projects that, in his view, offer only marginal benefits. "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," Obi wrote. "Instead of undertaking new ventures and dualisation projects that offer marginal benefits, our primary focus ought to be on repairing the critical roads already in place".
The former Anambra State governor specifically cited the Asaba–Benin Road as a prime example of a strategic highway in urgent need of government intervention. He described the road as a vital artery within Nigeria's transportation infrastructure, serving as the major route linking travellers from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and parts of Benue and Kogi states to Lagos. Despite its critical importance, Obi lamented that substantial sections of the highway have fallen into disrepair, resulting in persistent traffic congestion, increased transportation costs, and significant hardship for road users. "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," he said.
Obi maintained that the deplorable state of the Asaba–Benin Road is not an isolated case but reflects the reality on many of Nigeria's busiest federal highways. He stressed that restoring existing roads should take precedence over announcing fresh infrastructure projects, arguing that Nigerians are in greater need of safe and motorable roads than projects designed to attract public attention. "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," Obi stated.
He further cautioned against what he described as superficial infrastructure projects driven by political considerations, warning that efforts aimed at achieving political mileage should not take precedence over addressing the poor condition of existing road networks. "Efforts aimed at superficial improvements for political gain should not supersede the urgent need to address the condition of our existing, critical roadways," he wrote. The NDC presidential candidate reiterated his belief that prudent prioritisation of infrastructure would improve transportation, ease the movement of goods and people, and support economic growth. He concluded the statement with his familiar rallying cry: "A new Nigeria is POssible."
Obi's call comes amid ongoing debates over the Federal Government's infrastructure spending, which has included major projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and various road dualisation schemes across the country. His remarks are likely to fuel further discussion on the balance between new infrastructure development and the maintenance of existing assets, as Nigeria continues to grapple with significant challenges in road quality and safety.
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