Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation of existing roads over the construction of new highways, saying the country's critical transport infrastructure has suffered years of neglect.
In a statement released on Monday, the former presidential candidate said governments at all levels should focus on restoring major road networks to good condition before embarking on fresh road construction and dualisation projects.
According to Obi, investing in the repair and maintenance of existing roads would deliver greater benefits to Nigerians than initiating new projects that offer what he described as marginal value.
He singled out the Asaba–Benin Road as one of the country's most strategic highways, noting that it serves as a major link between Lagos and several states in the South-East, South-South and parts of the North Central.
The former Anambra governor said millions of commuters and businesses from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, as well as parts of Benue and Kogi states depend on the route for the movement of people and goods.
Despite its strategic importance, Obi lamented that large portions of the road have become severely dilapidated, leading to prolonged traffic congestion, increased travel time and economic losses.
He argued that the poor state of the Asaba–Benin Road is not an isolated case but reflects the condition of many key federal highways across the country.
"Our efforts should be directed towards the reconstruction and maintenance of our current road infrastructure before we announce plans for new road projects," he said.
Obi maintained that Nigerians are more concerned about having safe and motorable roads than the announcement of new infrastructure projects.
He further cautioned against pursuing road projects primarily for political visibility, insisting that governments should concentrate on addressing the nation's pressing infrastructure needs.
According to him, rehabilitating existing highways would have a more immediate and meaningful impact on economic activities and the daily lives of Nigerians than launching new projects while critical roads remain in disrepair.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate ended the statement by reaffirming his conviction that "a new Nigeria is possible."
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