By Deborah Nnamdi
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing road infrastructure instead of embarking on new road construction projects.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Obi reiterated his longstanding position that restoring Nigeria’s deteriorating road network should take precedence over announcing fresh infrastructure projects.
According to the former Anambra State governor, many of the country’s major highways have fallen into disrepair, causing severe hardship for commuters, transport operators and businesses. He urged the government to channel available resources towards making existing roads safe and motorable.
Obi specifically highlighted the Asaba–Benin Road as a strategic highway in urgent need of rehabilitation, noting that it serves as a major route for travellers from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and parts of Benue and Kogi states heading to Lagos.
He lamented that the poor condition of the road has led to persistent traffic congestion, increased travel time and negatively affected commercial activities.
The NDC presidential candidate said the situation on the Asaba–Benin Road reflects the state of many other critical highways across the country, stressing that fixing existing infrastructure would have a more immediate impact on Nigerians than initiating new projects.
“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 argued that projects driven by political visibility should not take precedence over addressing the urgent need to restore critical road infrastructure across the country.
Obi maintained that investing in the rehabilitation of key highways would deliver greater economic and social benefits than embarking on new road dualisation and construction projects with limited immediate impact.
He concluded the statement with his familiar message of hope, saying, “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
