The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to prioritize the rehabilitation of existing roads over the construction of the coastal superhighway, warning that the latter may take up to three decades to complete.
In a statement shared via his official Twitter handle, Mr Obi expressed concern over the timing and prioritization of the coastal superhighway project amidst numerous uncompleted roads across the country. He highlighted the pressing issue of dilapidated roads posing hazards to Nigerians and emphasized the need for urgent attention to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.
“The Federal Government must allocate resources towards repairing and completing existing infrastructure crucial for the well-being and safety of our society before embarking on new projects, no matter their perceived benefits,” Mr Obi stressed.
He pointed out that many vital roads essential for economic growth and regional connectivity have been under construction for several years, if not decades, due to poor and unplanned funding. Mr Obi highlighted specific roads in various regions of the country that have remained unfinished, posing security risks and hindering development.
“The Federal Ministry of Works’ 2024 capital budget, alongside additional funding from multilateral loan projects and other sources, will not be enough for serious work on all critical roads, let alone their completion,” Mr Obi remarked.
He cautioned against exacerbating the problem of abandoned and uncompleted projects that do not contribute to economic growth and overall development, emphasizing the need for prioritization and fiscal discipline in the allocation of resources.
“In any development formula, the primary focus should be on completing and rehabilitating existing infrastructure rather than embarking on colossal new projects that may never reach completion within the next 30 years,” Mr Obi concluded.
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Mr Obi’s statement comes amid ongoing debates and discussions surrounding the coastal superhighway project, with stakeholders expressing varying opinions on its benefits and feasibility.
The call for prioritizing the rehabilitation of existing roads echoes sentiments shared by many Nigerians who continue to grapple with the challenges posed by inadequate and deteriorating infrastructure across the country.
