16 Months On, Federal Roads Remain Death Traps Despite Administration’s Promise
It’s been 16 months since the current administration vowed to complete all ongoing road projects in Nigeria, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. Despite the Minister of Works, David Umahi, claiming significant progress, the rate of completion remains slow, and federal roads continue to pose a significant threat to the lives of commuters.
The National Human Rights Commission revealed that fatalities from road accidents in Nigeria surpassed those caused by gunmen attacks in September 2024. This disturbing trend is largely attributed to the deplorable state of federal roads, which have remained a death trap for years.
The Ideato-Orlu-Owerri Road, Owerri-Okigwe, Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia, and Owerri-Onitsha roads, among others, are examples of the numerous federal roads in the south-south and southeast regions that have been in a terrible state for decades.
The situation is not much different in other parts of the country. The East-West Road, which spans across the entire South-South region, remains a nightmare, with most parts impassable. The Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway has been a subject of dispute between the ministry and the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria.
Critics argue that the Minister’s approach, which includes threatening to revoke contracts, has led to more delays and frustration among contractors and constituents. According to Hassan, a highway engineer, the process of revoking and re-awarding contracts can take between six months to a year.
The government’s claim of completing 330 emergency road projects, valued at over N500 billion, has not translated to tangible improvements on the ground. Stakeholders argue that the focus should be on completing ongoing projects rather than embarking on new ones.
Babatunde Awode, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Apapa Branch, acknowledged that the Minister has recorded some success but advised him to ensure fast completion of projects.
With the June 2025 deadline for the completion of the East-West Road looming, it remains to be seen if the administration will deliver on its promise. One thing is certain, however: the status quo is unacceptable, and something needs to be done urgently to address the country’s road infrastructure crisis.
What Do You Think?
Should the government prioritize completing ongoing road projects or embark on new ones? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Also Read:
- Nigeria’s Road Infrastructure: A Nation’s Lifeline in Shambles
- The Cost of Neglect: How Poor Road Infrastructure Affects Nigeria’s Economy
- Building a Better Future: The Importance of Infrastructure Development in Nigeria
