Former Nigerian Ambassador to Norway, Sweden and Denmark, Amb. Godknows Igali, has criticised the Federal Government over the state of roads in the Niger Delta, saying the condition of major highways in the region contradicts claims by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, that significant progress has been made.
Igali spoke during an interview with Africa Independent Television on Thursday, where he expressed particular concern about the East-West Road and the Benin-Asaba corridor.
The former ambassador said his frequent travels had given him firsthand knowledge of the condition of the roads, making it difficult for him to reconcile what he sees with statements from the works minister.
“When I listen to the Minister of Works sometimes, I feel like breaking my television. Because I move around every time. I had to come in from Port Harcourt to be able to have this conversation with you. And the roads are not there,” Igali said.
He said the East-West Road had deteriorated to the extent that journeys which previously took less than an hour now require several hours.
“Even so-called East-West Road is not in order. You can’t go from Sapele to Warri. It used to take us 40, 45 minutes. Today it takes about three hours from Sapele to Benin. One hour now takes about three or four hours,” he said.
Igali also cited recent protests by residents and commuters over the poor condition of the Asaba-Benin road, saying the demonstrations showed the level of frustration among road users.
“And the other day, just last week, we saw people demonstrating that the road from Asaba to Benin is so bad. And people came out demonstrating,” he said.
According to him, the situation is particularly unjust given the economic importance of the Niger Delta and its contribution to the country’s revenue.
“So the roads, and this is where the money comes from, it is the height of injustice,” Igali said.
He maintained that residents of the region were not demanding special treatment, but fairness and equitable distribution of infrastructure.
“We are not asking for more than we should have. We are just saying be fair, be equitable, be just, be fair to all such people,” he said.
The former envoy further said Nigerians were becoming increasingly conscious of their rights and more willing to participate in politics and demand accountability from government officials.
“Our people are watching. Our people are watching,” he said.
“No, people are now wiser. They are reasoning, they are wiser. The political bandwidth is now wider for people to reason and participate.”
Igali’s comments came amid renewed controversy over the condition of the Benin-Asaba Expressway, following protests by youths and commuters over severe gridlock on the major route.
The Federal Government subsequently stepped up efforts to address the situation, with Umahi inspecting the highway and blaming the concessionaire for removing more than 30 kilometres of asphalt without providing adequate replacement.
The government later commenced moves to terminate the concession, while President Bola Tinubu ordered the complete reconstruction of the affected highway.
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