Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has voiced his concerns regarding the timing and prioritization of the coastal Lagos-Calabar superhighway project amidst numerous uncompleted road projects across the country.
In a statement posted on X, Obi acknowledged the potential benefits of the coastal superhighway but questioned its timing and the government’s decision to embark on such a monumental venture.
He stated that the Bola Tinubu-led government should focus on the pressing issue of unfinished roads scattered across Nigeria, which he said have become hazardous death traps and security risks for travellers.
Obi said: ”I have closely followed the comments and developments arising from the coastal (Lagos-Calabar) Super Highway Project.
”While I’m hesitant to engage in contentious debates about its benefits, which I acknowledge, and the pricing, which I have serious concerns about and believe should be thoroughly reviewed, I am compelled to raise essential questions about the timing and prioritization of such a monumental venture.
”At the forefront of my concerns is the pressing issue of numerous uncompleted roads scattered across the country, many of which have become hazardous death traps and security risks.
”It is disheartening to witness the plight of innocent Nigerians who traverse these dilapidated roads under perilous conditions, vulnerable to kidnappers and other dangers.
”Most of these roads, vital for economic growth, regional connectivity, and overall development, have been under construction for several years, if not decades now, and are unlikely to be completed soon due to poor and unplanned funding. Some of these roads in various zones include:
”1. NORTH-WEST Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Road, – Sokoto – Funtua – Zaria Road, Kano – Hadejia Road, Kano – Katsina Road , Zaria – Funtua – Shema – Tsafe – Gusau – Talata – Mafara – Sokoto Road , Kano – Kwanar – Danja – Hadejia Road.
”2. NORTH-EAST Kano – Damaturu – Maiduguri Road – Mubi – Maiduguri Road, Nguru – Gashua – Bayamari Road, Gombe – Biu – Numan Road, Dikwa – Marte – Monguno Road, Potiskum – Fika – Bajoga – Gombe – Biu Road , Mayo Belwa – Jada – Ganye – Tongue Road , Tumu – Pindiga – Kashere –Bashar – Wase – Wamba – Nassarawa Road.
”3. NORTH-CENTRAL Abuja – Lokoja – Okene- Auchi – Benin Road , Ilorin – Jebba Road Kabba – Omuaran Road , Suleja – Minna Road, Makurdi – Gboko – Yandev – Katsina-Ala Road, Buruku Bridge across Katsina River.
”4. SOUTH-WEST Lagos – Badagry Road , Ibadan – Ife – Ilesha – Osogbo Road , Itoikin – Ijebu Ode – Ibadan Road, Ibadan – Ilorin – Jebba – Mokwa – Bokani Junction Road Abeokuta – Ibadan Road, Ikorodu – Shagamu Road, Ado – Igede – Aramoko – Itawure Road Ajasse Ipo – Offa – Erinle-Osun State Border Road.
”5. SOUTH-EAST 9th Mile – Oturkpo -Makurdi Road , Enugu -Port Harcourt Road , Onitsha – Awka – Enugu Road , Onitsha – Owerri – Umuahia Road, Bende – Arochukwu – Ohafia Road , Okigwe – Afikpo Road , Nsukka – Obollo Afor Ehamafu – Nkalagu Road, Oba – Nnewi – Okija Road.
”6. SOUTH-SOUTH Benin – Sapele – Warri Road, East-West Road, (Warri – Kaiama – Ahoada – Port Harcourt – Eket – Oron) Yenegoa Road, Junction – Kolo – Otuoke Road, Sapele – Agbor – Ewu Road, Benin – Akure – Ore – Ife Road, Ikot Ekpene – Aba – Owerri Road, – Jattau – Fugar – Agenebode Road, Bodo – Bonny Road with Bridge across Opobo Channel, Port Harcourt – Onne Road, – Agbor – Sakpoba – Ogharefe Road, Odukpani Junction – Itu – Ikot Ekpene – Umuahia Road.”