Poor Road Infrastructure: Federal Government’s Failure and Governor Obaseki’s Concerns

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has voiced his strong opinion on Nigeria’s inadequate road network, attributing it to the failure of the federal government to fulfill its responsibilities.

Obaseki emphasized the glaring presence of poorly maintained federal roads within the state as evidence of this failure.

During an address to journalists in Benin City, the governor specifically highlighted the dire condition of the federal roads connecting Uromi in Esan South East to Agbor in Delta State.

Reflecting on his recent journey through these roads, Obaseki expressed his dismay, saying, “I witnessed the sight of almost 1,000 trailers stuck on that dilapidated Federal Government road between Uromi and Agbor.”

He contrasted this experience with the seamless travel he enjoyed on well-maintained state roads, stating, “It took just a few minutes to traverse our state roads when we entered from Igueben, Ujogba to Ugoneki in Edo State.”

Undoubtedly frustrated by the situation, Governor Obaseki asserted, “The problem today lies in the shortcomings of the Central Government. The extensive road network in Edo that should be a blessing to us has become a curse.”

He further emphasized the critical role these federal roads play, as they connect numerous locations across the country, remarking, “One cannot travel from the West to the East or from the North to the South without passing through Edo State.”

“However,” Obaseki lamented, “despite the importance and volume of these federal roads, none of them are fit for motor travel.”