Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra State Council, has raised serious concerns over the quality of roads recently constructed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo's administration, alleging that several projects are already in a deplorable state despite the governor's pledge that roads built under his government would last for at least 20 years. In a communiqué issued at the end of its state council congress held at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat Complex, Awka, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the union expressed concern that some newly constructed roads had already begun undergoing repairs, while others had reportedly been washed away. The union's criticism comes at a time when the Soludo administration has consistently touted its road construction programme as one of the most extensive in the state's history, with the government claiming that over 750 kilometres of roads have been awarded and more than 400 kilometres already completed using advanced stone-base and cement stabilisation methods designed to withstand erosion and flooding, with an estimated lifespan of over 20 years.
"The Congress expressed concern over the poor quality of some roads that are recently constructed by the State Government, which are already undergoing patches and some being washed away, in contrast to Governor Chukwuma Soludo's promise that all the roads to be constructed by his administration will last at least for a period of 20 years," the communiqué read. The NUJ's criticism directly challenges the governor's repeated assurances that his administration's road projects are built to last. In 2023, Governor Soludo had declared that "this administration came in and decided to treat road as an emergency and in 10 months, 267 kilometres of roads have been awarded, guaranteed to last 20 years." However, the union's findings suggest that some of these roads are already showing signs of failure shortly after completion.
Beyond the quality of roads, the NUJ also called on Governor Soludo to address the plight of retired workers of the defunct National Light Newspaper and the Anambra Broadcasting Service by ensuring payment of their pensions and gratuities. "Congress expressed concern over the non-payment of Pension and Gratuity of Staff of the defunct National Light Newspaper and Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), and urged Governor Soludo to address their plight," the communiqué stated. The union's demand highlights the lingering welfare issues facing former employees of state-owned media establishments, many of whom have been waiting for their entitlements for years.
The NUJ also raised concerns over poorly planned road intersections at locations including St. Paul's Nibo/Nise, Ezi Agnes Junction in Nise, and Emeka Aghasili Secondary School, saying the road designs force motorists to travel to Ngene, Awka, before making a return trip to access those areas. The union called on the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency to work with contractors handling road projects to correct such anomalies across the state. While urging ARTMA to remain firm in enforcing traffic laws, the union appealed to the agency to apply the rules with "a human face" in line with the state government's "One People, One State" mantra.
The NUJ further urged residents of Anambra State to stop dumping refuse in drainage channels, particularly during the rainy season, warning that such practices worsen flooding and increase the risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera. It also encouraged residents to embrace environmental sanitation and support the Ministry of Environment in maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment across the state. On road safety, the union condemned the growing practice of motorists driving against traffic and appealed to road users to obey traffic regulations in the interest of public safety. The NUJ also called on taxpayers to take advantage of the Anambra State government's tax waiver programme under the Voluntary Assets Income Declaration and Tax Regularisation Scheme (VAIDS), urging residents to regularise their tax status before the expiration of the waiver to avoid sanctions.
The NUJ's criticism adds to a growing chorus of concerns over the quality of infrastructure in Anambra State. In February 2026, the Anambra State House of Assembly passed a resolution urging Governor Soludo to direct the Managing Director of the Anambra Road Maintenance Agency to carry out palliative repairs and full rehabilitation of failed road sections, including the Awka-Etiti–Onusougu–Iseke Road and Nnewi LASAL Road to Ukpor Road. The Civil Liberties Organisation, Anambra State Branch, has also appealed to the governor to urgently reconstruct the collapsed Ukpor Bridge, citing hardship for residents and commuters. As the Soludo administration continues its ambitious infrastructure drive, the NUJ's findings serve as a reminder that the durability and quality of road projects are as important as their quantity. The union's demand for accountability and its call for the settlement of pension arrears reflect broader concerns about governance and welfare in the state. The government is yet to respond to the NUJ's allegations, but the pressure is mounting for it to address both the quality of its road projects and the welfare of retired media workers.
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