You cannot keep building new roads while existing ones remain bad,’ Oshiomhole tackles Umahi

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, over the Federal Government’s approach to road infrastructure, urging him to prioritise the rehabilitation of existing federal roads before embarking on new projects.

Oshiomhole made the remarks during a recent Senate session, where he argued that the minister needed to better manage national resources, noting that several federal roads across the country had deteriorated into unsafe routes while new projects continued to receive approval.

The Edo North senator expressed particular concern over the condition of major highways in Edo and Delta states, describing some of them as death traps for motorists because of their poor state.

“Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, needs to be guided. He proposes building new roads when existing ones are in bad shape,” Oshiomhole said.

According to the former Edo State governor, the government should focus more on repairing critical highways that have suffered years of neglect instead of approving additional road projects while existing infrastructure remains in disrepair.

The lawmaker questioned the approval of about 20 new road projects within a short period, insisting that maintenance and rehabilitation of existing roads should take precedence.

He cited the Benin–Delta and Benin–Okene highways as examples of major federal roads requiring urgent intervention, saying their poor condition continues to endanger commuters and hamper economic activities.

“David Umahi needs guidance on management of national funds. You cannot continue proposing new roads when existing ones are in bad shape,” Oshiomhole added.

His remarks have generated mixed reactions, with some Nigerians backing his call for greater attention to the maintenance of existing infrastructure, while others argued that road rehabilitation and new construction projects can proceed simultaneously.

The comments add to the ongoing debate over Nigeria’s infrastructure priorities, with stakeholders divided on how best to balance new road construction, rehabilitation of existing highways and the efficient use of public funds.

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