2027 Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has made known his “stance on road development” in Nigeria.
The former Governor of Anambra State opined, instead of embarking on new projects that bring “marginal benefits”, it would be preferable to “repair critical roads” that are already existing.
On X, Obi used the Asaba-Benin road as an instance, describing it as “thoroughfare”, he said, the road is a “vital artery within Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure”.
Obi said: “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.
“Instead of undertaking new ventures and dualization projects that offer marginal benefits, our primary focus ought to be on repairing the critical roads already in place.”
He said, those who travel from “Imo, Cross River, Benue” have no better option than to use the Asaba-Benin Road to Lagos.
The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) said, despite the “significance” of the Asaba-Benin Road, some portions of it are in “lamentable” conditions, resulting to “undue hardship” on travellers and businesses.
Obi said: “Consider, for instance, the Asaba–Benin Road. This thoroughfare is a vital artery within Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure. Travellers traversing from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and portions of Benue and Kogi States to Lagos are compelled to utilise this route.
“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 also said, the current poor condition of the Asaba-Benin Road is the same with a lot of the “busiest” national highways.
The former member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) further opined, the government should shift focus on “reconstruction and maintenance” of the country’s existing road infrastructure before carrying out new road projects.
Nigerians deserve roads that are “functional and motorable”.
Obi said: “Regrettably, this situation is not unique; it reflects the reality on many of our busiest national highways.
“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.
“Efforts aimed at superficial improvements for political gain should not supersede the urgent need to address the condition of our existing, critical roadways.”
Photo: Peter Obi stands on a road in “lamentable” condition | Peter Obi/X
