Concerns have emerged over the condition of Nigeria’s federal highways after Senator Adams Oshiomhole openly criticised the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, over the government’s road construction priorities.
The former Edo State governor stunned lawmakers when he questioned why new road projects were being approved while several major federal roads remain in poor condition.
Speaking during a Senate session, Oshiomhole alleged that several key roads linking Edo State to neighbouring states have been neglected. He argued that repairing existing highways should come before launching fresh projects.
Oshiomhole said the current situation has made travel difficult for thousands of commuters, businesses and transport operators who depend on the affected routes daily. Moreover, he claimed the pattern of road development has created an imbalance that deserves urgent attention.
The senator expressed concern that road users continue to face hardship despite ongoing government investments in infrastructure. However, he maintained that attention should first be given to roads that have already deteriorated before additional projects are introduced.
While addressing fellow lawmakers, Oshiomhole questioned the decision-making process behind recent approvals by the Federal Ministry of Works.
“The Federal Minister of Works needs to be guided because,whereas, we have all these old roads that are in bad shape, he proposes the construction of new roads when existing roads are not there.
Three weeks ago, I understand 20 new roads were approved, yet between Edo and Delta, there is manifest bias by the Minister of Works. You cannot go to Warri from Benin, you can’t go to Asaba from Benin, you can’t go to Auchi from Benin, you can’t go to Auchi from Okene from Benin. What have we done wrong? I think the Minister has consistently shown that there is no Federal allocation.”
Furthermore, many of the roads mentioned are major economic routes used for the movement of goods, services and passengers.
According to the senator, the poor condition of these highways has affected mobility and slowed economic activities in the region. He insisted that residents deserve equal access to quality infrastructure regardless of their location.
Meanwhile, the criticism comes weeks after reports that about 20 new road projects were approved by the Federal Government. Although the approvals were welcomed in many quarters.
The issue of road maintenance has remained a recurring concern in Nigeria. In addition, motorists have repeatedly called for urgent repairs on several federal highways that have become difficult to use because of potholes, erosion and years of neglect.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Works has continued to oversee road projects across different parts of the country as part of efforts to improve transportation.
