Nigeria’s federal roads are in a deplorable state, posing a serious threat to lives and hindering economic progress. Recent reports indicate that more than 80 % of fatal auto crashes in the country are linked to the poor condition of major highways and ineffective management. Once the lifelines of regional trade and mobility, these roads have become death traps, riddled with deep potholes, erosion, and lacking adequate street lighting and signage.
The federal government owns and maintains over 35,000 kilometers of roads, the largest network in West Africa. Yet continuous decay, driven by insufficient maintenance, has turned the infrastructure into a hazard. Motorists frequently lose control, leading to catastrophic outcomes, while trade and commerce suffer as the deteriorated roads impede the movement of goods.
Residents and commuters in states such as Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Delta have voiced dismay over the conditions of federal roads. Many call for urgent rehabilitation and reconstruction, citing risks to lives and property. In some areas, travelers have resorted to alternative routes or even waterways to avoid the treacherous highways.
The Federal Ministry of Works acknowledges the challenges, attributing them to poor funding and contractual arrangements made by previous administrations. A ministry source explained that the current administration is striving to address the issue, but the scale of the problem is overwhelming. Minister David Umahi has been inspecting road projects nationwide, and steps are being taken to terminate contracts with underperforming contractors and re‑award sections that were not properly funded.
As the situation worsens, lawmakers have urged a declaration of national emergency, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention. The National Assembly Joint Committee on Works has pledged to summon contractors handling federal projects, as well as officials from the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency. With the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians at stake, decisive government action is essential to restore the country’s federal roads to a safe and motorable condition.
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