Peter Obi urges Nigerian government to repair existing roads before building new ones.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), urged the Federal Government to focus on rebuilding and maintaining the existing road network before announcing new road projects.

He made the call in a post on his verified X account on Monday, emphasizing that Nigerians need functional, motorable roads rather than projects that simply attract attention.

He cited the Asaba–Benin Road, describing it as a vital artery of Nigeria’s transportation network.

The former Anambra State governor said that travelers moving from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and parts of Benue and Kogi states to Lagos must use the route.

He noted that, despite its importance, large portions of the road remain in a lamentable state.

Obi said the road has become a major impediment, causing persistent traffic congestion and undue hardship for travelers, businesses, and transport operators.

“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.”

“Regrettably, this situation is not unique; it reflects the reality on many of our busiest national highways.”

“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.