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Category: Politics

  • JUST IN: PFIPC Scandal — ADC warns ‘Presidency may have become a nest of fraudsters,’ demands independent probe

    JUST IN: PFIPC Scandal — ADC warns ‘Presidency may have become a nest of fraudsters,’ demands independent probe

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate establishment of an independent Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal, which it says strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s governance and institutional integrity.

    In a five‑part statement released on Friday, July 3, 2026, signed by its Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the ADC said the controversy surrounding the PFIPC and allegations of bribery involving President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, expose “the staggering depth of institutional decay” under the current administration.

    The party described the scandal as “a matter that goes to the heart of the security and integrity of the Nigerian state,” accusing the Presidency of either complicity or incompetence for allowing a body it now calls “fictitious” to operate across multiple arms of government.

    According to the ADC, the PFIPC allegedly engaged ministries, foreign diplomats, and public institutions, obtained official recognition, and even appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Bill with a budget running into billions of naira. The party said such activities raise serious questions about governance, accountability, and national security.

    The ADC identified ten government institutions that must be investigated, including the offices of the Chief of Staff, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of Civil Service, Budget Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Security Adviser, DSS, Nigeria Police Force, Accountant‑General, Central Bank, and relevant National Assembly committees.

    It insisted that the matter “must not be swept under the Presidential red carpet,” urging President Tinubu to summon all implicated officials and compel the production of documents to determine the extent of negligence, collusion, or criminal wrongdoing.

    The party argued that if the PFIPC was indeed fictitious, Nigerians deserve to know how such an entity allegedly secured recruitment approvals, budgetary allocations, and diplomatic engagements. Conversely, if the PFIPC was legitimate, the ADC said the government must explain why it publicly disowned the agency to defend one of its officials.

    “The damage this scandal has done to the integrity of our public institutions is incalculable,” the statement read, warning that Nigeria’s credibility before international partners may suffer lasting harm.

    The ADC accused the Tinubu‑led APC government of dragging the country “down to its moral and ethical level,” and urged citizens to demand accountability. It also criticized what it called a double standard, noting that while the government swiftly deployed anti‑corruption agencies against former Kaduna Governor Nasir El‑Rufai, it has not asked Gbajabiamila to step aside pending investigation.

    “This glaring double standard undermines public confidence and reinforces the perception that there is one standard of accountability for political opponents and another for those within the inner circle of power,” the ADC said.

    ADC concluded with a warning: “Every approval, every budgetary allocation, every official correspondence, and every public officer connected to this scandal will be subjected to the highest level of scrutiny. There will be no sacred cows, no untouchables, and no hiding place for corruption.”

  • BREAKING: Tinubu launches training programme for 5,000 youths under Presidential Metering Initiative

    BREAKING: Tinubu launches training programme for 5,000 youths under Presidential Metering Initiative

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a new skills acquisition programme that will train 5,000 young Nigerians, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as meter installers and technicians under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI).

    The President, in a statement titled “Jobs for Our Young People Remain Central to Our Renewed Hope Agenda,” said the initiative forms part of his administration’s efforts to create employment opportunities while addressing Nigeria’s electricity metering deficit.

    According to Tinubu, the Presidential Metering Initiative was established to bridge the country’s metering gap, eliminate estimated billing, protect electricity consumers and strengthen the nation’s power sector.

    “Through the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), which I established to close Nigeria’s metering gap, end estimated billing, protect consumers and strengthen the electricity market, we are opening a new pathway for 5,000 young Nigerians to be trained as meter installers and technicians under The Power Force,” the President said.

    He described the programme as more than a job creation initiative, saying it is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical technical skills that will prepare them for sustainable employment.

    “This programme is about jobs, skills and dignity,” Tinubu said.

    “It will equip young Nigerians with practical technical skills and connect them to real work in a sector that touches every home, every business and every community in our country.”

    The training programme is open to eligible Nigerians who have completed their secondary school education, with a dedicated quota reserved for members of the National Youth Service Corps.

    The President noted that expanding access to electricity meters remains a key component of his administration’s power sector reform agenda.

    According to him, proper metering will ensure consumers pay only for the electricity they use while improving transparency and efficiency in electricity distribution.

    “When homes and businesses are properly metered, Nigerians can pay for what they actually use. When electricity distribution companies collect revenues more transparently and fairly, they are better able to reduce losses, maintain infrastructure, expand connections and invest in better service,” he said.

    Tinubu added that the initiative would contribute to building a more efficient and sustainable electricity market that benefits both consumers and investors.

    “This is how we build a power sector that is fairer to consumers, stronger for investors and better able to deliver reliable electricity to the Nigerian people,” he said.

    The President disclosed that he has directed the Presidential Metering Initiative to work with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and other relevant stakeholders to commence the programme within the next 30 days.

    He encouraged eligible young Nigerians to apply for the training via http://pmi.naptin.gov.ng

    “Join The Power Force. Learn a skill. Earn with dignity. Help us end estimated billing and be part of the work to light up Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

  • JUST IN: Peter Obi urges Nigerians to register to vote, says change begins before election day

    JUST IN: Peter Obi urges Nigerians to register to vote, says change begins before election day

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has urged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise, stressing that meaningful national change can only be achieved through active civic participation.

    In a statement titled “Voter Registration: The First Step in the Journey to a New Nigeria,” issued on Thursday, Obi said obtaining a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is the first step towards building the country Nigerians desire.

    The former Anambra State governor said he made the appeal after an unscheduled stop at Waru Wazobia in Abuja, where he interacted with residents and encouraged them, particularly young people and women, to register to vote.

    “Yesterday, while passing through Waru Wazobia in Abuja, I made a chance stop to interact with our people. I seized the opportunity to encourage them, especially our youths and women, to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise,” Obi said.

    According to him, the power to transform Nigeria begins long before Election Day.

    “The power to change Nigeria does not begin on Election Day; it begins with voter registration. Registering to vote is not just a civic responsibility; it is an investment in the future we all desire,” he said.

    Obi called on all eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to do so without delay, while urging registered voters to encourage their relatives, friends, neighbours and colleagues to obtain their voter cards.

    “I urge every eligible Nigerian who has not yet registered to do so without delay. Those who already have their voter cards should encourage their family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues to register as well,” he added.

    The NDC presidential candidate warned that the country’s transformation would not come through mere optimism but through the collective actions of citizens who participate in the democratic process.

    “A new Nigeria will not happen through wishful thinking. It will be built by citizens who participate, who believe, and who act,” Obi said.

    He further urged Nigerians to embrace hope, reject political apathy and remain committed to nation-building.

    “Let us continue to choose hope over despair, participation over apathy, and nation-building over division,” he said.

    Obi concluded the statement with his campaign slogan: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”

  • JUST IN: Tinubu hails landmark NYSC reforms, says youth development remains top priority

    JUST IN: Tinubu hails landmark NYSC reforms, says youth development remains top priority

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his administration’s comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as the most significant transformation of the scheme since its establishment in 1973, saying it fulfils his promise to create meaningful opportunities for Nigeria’s young people.

    In a statement personally signed on Wednesday, the President said the reforms, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, would reposition the NYSC as a platform for skills development, employability, entrepreneurship and national development.

    “On Monday, at the Federal Executive Council, our administration approved the most consequential reforms of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme since its establishment in 1973,” Tinubu said.

    “On the day I was sworn in as your President, I promised to create meaningful opportunities for our young people. I said women and youth would feature prominently in our administration, and this reform is partly the actualisation of that promise.”

    The President said the overhaul reflects his administration’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians with the skills, experience and opportunities required to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.

    The reforms are expected to modernise the NYSC through technology-driven mobilisation, enhanced entrepreneurship and digital skills training, improved camp facilities, skills-based deployment and stronger alignment with national economic priorities.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has commended President Tinubu for what he described as his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to unlocking the potential of Nigerian youths.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, Olawande said the reforms represent the most far-reaching transformation of the NYSC in more than five decades.

    “This historic reform marks the most far-reaching transformation of the NYSC since its establishment over five decades ago,” the minister said.

    “By repositioning the Scheme from a mobilisation programme to a platform for skills, employability, enterprise and national development, Your Excellency has laid the foundation for a generation of young Nigerians who are better equipped to build, innovate and lead.”

    Olawande pledged the ministry’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the reforms.

    “We are deeply honoured by your confidence in the Ministry of Youth Development and remain fully committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to faithfully implement this bold reform agenda,” he said.

    “The future of our youth is brighter because of your leadership, and we will ensure that this vision translates into lasting opportunities and measurable impact for every Nigerian graduate.”

    The reforms form part of the Federal Government’s broader agenda to reposition the NYSC as a modern, skills-driven institution capable of preparing graduates for employment, entrepreneurship and national service while supporting the country’s long-term economic development.

  • JUST IN: Peter Obi unveils vision for productive Nigeria, pledges education, healthcare reforms

    JUST IN: Peter Obi unveils vision for productive Nigeria, pledges education, healthcare reforms

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has unveiled a broad vision for transforming Nigeria, promising sweeping reforms in education, healthcare, industrialisation and governance if elected president in 2027.

    In a statement titled “My Vision for a Productive and Prosperous Nigeria” released on Wednesday, Obi said his administration would focus on building a united, inclusive and productive nation driven by investments in human capital and accountable leadership.

    The former Anambra State governor said that when he first sought the presidency, he pledged to place Nigeria on the path of national unity and transformation, adding that he would, in the coming weeks and months, present a comprehensive roadmap to reverse the country’s decline.

    “Today, being the 1st of July, 2026, I wish to humbly recall that when I decided to contest for the office of President of Nigeria, I pledged to place Nigeria on the path of unity and national transformation,” Obi said.

    “As the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate, I will, in the coming weeks and months, provide insights into the roadmap that I am confident will help curb abuse in government, halt the decline in the quality of life of Nigerians and usher in an era of unity, peace, sustained progress and prosperity.”

    According to him, the proposed reforms are anchored on the principles of unity, inclusion, social justice, equity and the freedom of every Nigerian to pursue lawful aspirations.

    Obi identified education and healthcare as the foundation of his development agenda, describing robust human capital as the country’s most critical infrastructure.

    “Robust human capital is indispensable infrastructure for national progress. It serves as the fundamental capital upon which daily life, economic expansion and the delivery of essential public services depend,” he said.

    He pledged that one of the first actions of his administration would be the establishment of a national task force to drastically reduce the number of out-of-school children.

    The NDC candidate also promised to prioritise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as part of a broader industrialisation strategy built around agriculture, value addition and industrial parks across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

    According to Obi, government would partner with the private sector and faith-based institutions to strengthen vocational education and establish apprenticeship programmes modelled after Germany’s dual education system.

    He said the initiative would address the paradox of high unemployment existing alongside a shortage of skilled labour that has forced many Nigerian entrepreneurs to establish businesses abroad.

    Obi further pledged to strengthen character and civic education to promote integrity, trust, responsible leadership and shared national values.

    He argued that rebuilding trust in public institutions is essential for enterprise, national cohesion and sustainable economic growth.

    In a separate statement issued on Monday titled “What Truly Should Be Our Priority Now as Leaders of a Nation?”, Obi criticised what he described as the political class’s misplaced priorities amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

    He said questions contained in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form prompted him to reflect on the state of leadership in the country.

    Referring to a section asking whether a candidate had ever been declared of unsound mind, Obi questioned whether Nigeria’s political leaders were demonstrating the qualities of responsible leadership.

    “When Nigerians, including children and security personnel, are being abducted into the bushes, citizens cannot travel safely on our highways, several million Nigerians are uncertain where their next meal will come from, and several billions are being siphoned through non-existent agencies and projects, should politics really be our primary preoccupation?” he asked.

    Obi said a responsible government would have declared insecurity, hunger and corruption a national emergency and mobilised all relevant institutions to confront the crises.

    He also called for greater transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process, urging INEC to publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective office.

    “Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust. Nigeria’s problems are too serious for politics as usual. It is time for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to service,” Obi said.

  • JUST IN: NDC confirms Obi, Kwankwaso uploaded on INEC portal

    JUST IN: NDC confirms Obi, Kwankwaso uploaded on INEC portal

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has sought to reassure its supporters following a Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, insisting that its appeal is underway and that it remains on course to participate in the 2027 general elections.

    The party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, announced on Tuesday that the names of the NDC’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have been successfully uploaded on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

    “NDC is moving forward strongly. Our appeal has been filed. The NDC will surely be on the ballot in 2027. No need to panic at all,” Dickson said.

    In a separate statement issued on Tuesday, the party confirmed that Dickson held a strategic meeting with Kwankwaso in Abuja as part of ongoing consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    The NDC said the meeting reaffirmed the party’s determination to pursue its political agenda despite the legal challenge.

    “We are pleased to confirm that Senator Kwankwaso’s name has been successfully uploaded on the INEC portal as the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the NDC for the 2027 Presidential Election,” the party said.

    “The party remains focused and committed to the task ahead. We are OK.”

    Also on Tuesday, Kwankwaso, in a personally signed statement, confirmed the meeting with Dickson, describing it as another step in strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

    “I was delighted to welcome my brother and National Leader of our great party, the NDC, His Excellency Henry Seriake Dickson, to my residence in Abuja,” he said.

    Kwankwaso disclosed that he briefed the former Bayelsa State governor on his recent consultations across the North-West geopolitical zone.

    “I took the opportunity to brief him on the highly productive engagements and consultations I have undertaken across the North-West states, which have yielded very encouraging results,” he stated.

    According to Kwankwaso, Dickson also confirmed the successful submission of his nomination to the electoral commission.

    “His Excellency Dickson confirmed the successful submission of my candidacy and also announced that my name has been duly uploaded on the INEC portal as the Vice-Presidential candidate to His Excellency Peter Obi on the platform of our party.”

    “We remain steadfast, united, and fully focused on the mission ahead,” Kwankwaso added.

    The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, last Friday ordered the deregistration of the party following a dispute over its victory sign logo.

    The judgment has attracted criticism from several opposition figures, who argue that the decision lacks legal merit and could undermine political pluralism ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Also reacting to the ruling, NDC chieftain Buba Galadima called for disciplinary action against the trial judge, alleging that conflicting court orders threaten Nigeria’s democratic process.

    Speaking on the Arise Television Morning Show monitored in Lagos on Tuesday, Galadima said judicial officers who issue what he described as conflicting injunctions should be sanctioned to deter similar actions in the future.

    He warned that inconsistent judicial decisions could erode public confidence in the judiciary and disrupt the country’s democratic development.

    The NDC has already filed an appeal challenging the Lokoja court’s ruling and insists it remains a legally recognised political party pending the determination of the appellate process.

  • Oluremi Tinubu commissions North-West Community Food Bank in Jigawa

    Oluremi Tinubu commissions North-West Community Food Bank in Jigawa

    DUTSE, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday commissioned the National Community Food Bank for the North-West in Jigawa State as part of efforts to strengthen food security and support vulnerable households across the region.

    The commissioning ceremony was attended by Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, who described the initiative as a landmark intervention that would enhance food security and improve the well-being of Nigerians.

    In a statement after the event, Radda said he joined the First Lady for the inauguration of the food bank and other projects aimed at improving healthcare, education and infrastructure in the North-West.

    “Earlier today in Jigawa State, I joined Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the commissioning of the National Community Food Bank (North-West) and other landmark projects that will strengthen food security, healthcare, education and infrastructure across our region,” he said.

    The governor described the National Community Food Bank as a pioneering initiative that reflects compassion, visionary leadership and a commitment to supporting vulnerable Nigerians.

    “I commend Her Excellency for championing this historic intervention, which will significantly enhance food security and improve the wellbeing of our people,” Radda said.

    He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as courageous reforms and steadfast leadership aimed at repositioning Nigeria for sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.

    Radda congratulated Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi on what he called the remarkable development strides being recorded in the state, noting that the projects inaugurated during the visit reflected purposeful leadership and a commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy.

    As Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Radda reaffirmed the commitment of governors in the region to deepen collaboration in advancing food security, quality healthcare, education and inclusive development.

    “We remain committed to working together in advancing food security, quality healthcare, education and inclusive development for the benefit of our people,” he said.

  • African Union reaffirms support for Somalia’s security, democratic transition

    African Union reaffirms support for Somalia’s security, democratic transition

    MOGADISHU, Somalia (NPA) — The African Union has reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity following a meeting between the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

    Speaking on behalf of African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Haddadi reiterated the continental body’s continued support for Somali-led security operations, stabilisation efforts and democratic governance.

    “I reaffirmed the African Union Commission’s unwavering commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and our continued support for Somali-led security and stabilisation,” she said in a statement on Monday.

    Haddadi commended President Mohamud’s leadership in the fight against the Al-Shabaab insurgency, noting that Somali security forces had recorded significant gains against the militant group.

    She also welcomed the President’s efforts to promote inclusive political dialogue ahead of Somalia’s forthcoming presidential election, describing the process as a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey.

    According to the Deputy Chairperson, discussions also focused on the financing challenges facing the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with both sides underscoring the need for sustainable, predictable and shared funding arrangements.

    She assured the Somali government of the African Union’s continued partnership in implementing Agenda 2063 programmes and supporting the country’s peace, security and development priorities.

    Haddadi further pledged the Commission’s readiness to work closely with Somalia as preparations continue for the upcoming presidential election, reaffirming the African Union’s commitment to supporting a peaceful, inclusive and credible electoral process.

  • JUST IN: Nwifuru swears in new commissioners, reshuffles Ebonyi cabinet to boost service delivery

    JUST IN: Nwifuru swears in new commissioners, reshuffles Ebonyi cabinet to boost service delivery

    ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has sworn in two new commissioners and a special assistant while announcing a major cabinet reshuffle aimed at improving governance, repositioning key ministries and enhancing service delivery across the state.

    The appointments and redeployments were approved during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the governor today.

    The newly inaugurated officials are Prof. Amari Omaka (SAN) as Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Sylvester Nwenegwu Nwite as Commissioner for Environment, and Hon. Njoku Onyekachi Felix as Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.

    Speaking after administering the oath of office, Nwifuru urged the new appointees to regard their appointments as a call to selfless service and to remain committed to advancing his administration’s development agenda.

    “I charge the new appointees to regard their appointments as a call to selfless service and to work diligently in advancing our vision of a greater and more prosperous Ebonyi State,” the governor said.

    He explained that the cabinet reshuffle was designed to reposition critical sectors of government for greater efficiency and improved service delivery.

    Under the new arrangement, Hon. Chidi Onyia was redeployed from the Ministry of Solid Minerals to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, while Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu moved from the Ministry of Aviation to the Ministry of Special Projects.

    Prof. Nwogo Obasi Ajuka was transferred from the Ministry of Market Development to the Ministry of Skill Acquisition and Job Creation, while Hon. Okwu Oko Udu moved from the Ministry of Skill Acquisition and Job Creation to the Ministry of Market Development.

    Similarly, Hon. Magnus C. Nkah was redeployed from the Ministry of Water Resources to the Ministry of Solid Minerals, while Hon. Richard Ugo Idike moved from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to the Ministry of Capital City Development.

    Chief Sunday Elechi Inyima was reassigned from the Ministry of Capital City Development to the Ministry of Project Monitoring, while Hon. Victor Chukwu was transferred from the Ministry of Environment to the Ministry of Water Resources.

    The governor said the changes would strengthen the implementation of his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs and accelerate the delivery of development projects across the state.

    Nwifuru also commended members of the State Executive Council and the people of Ebonyi State for what he described as the successful endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming the state’s commitment to progressive leadership and national development.

    He urged all political appointees and public office holders to remain focused, dedicated and accountable in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    “As we continue to build a more prosperous Ebonyi State, I urge all public office holders to remain focused, dedicated and steadfast in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    “Together, we shall continue to deepen the dividends of democracy and deliver on the promises of the People’s Charter of Needs,” he said.

  • Peter Obi urges government to fix existing roads before starting new projects

    Peter Obi urges government to fix existing roads before starting new projects

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing federal highways instead of embarking on new road construction projects.

    In a statement on Monday, Obi argued that repairing critical roads already serving millions of Nigerians would deliver greater economic and social benefits than initiating new projects or dualisation schemes with limited immediate impact.

    “There is a pertinent reason I have consistently advocated that we should refrain from initiating new road construction projects until we have thoroughly rehabilitated and maintained our existing road network,” he said.

    Obi cited the Asaba–Benin Road as one of Nigeria’s most strategic highways, describing it as a major transport corridor linking Lagos with several states in the South-East, South-South and parts of the North-Central.

    According to him, travellers from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu and parts of Benue and Kogi depend on the road to access Lagos and other commercial centres.

    Despite its strategic importance, Obi said large sections of the highway have deteriorated significantly, causing prolonged traffic congestion, delays and economic hardship for motorists, transport operators and businesses.

    “This situation is not unique. It reflects the reality on many of our busiest national highways,” he said.

    The former Anambra State governor maintained that government resources should first be directed towards reconstructing and maintaining existing roads before announcing new projects.

    “The Nigerian people need functional and motorable roads, not merely projects that attract public attention.

    “Efforts aimed at superficial improvements for political gain should not supersede the urgent need to address the condition of our existing, critical roadways,” he added.

    Road infrastructure remains one of Nigeria’s biggest development challenges, with poor highway conditions contributing to travel delays, increased transport costs, vehicle damage and road crashes across the country.

    According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria recorded 5,289 deaths in 10,446 road traffic crashes in 2025, while 5,421 people lost their lives in road crashes in 2024, with bad roads being the highest causative factor, as well as reckless driving, overspeeding, vehicle defects and overloading.

    The economic impact of bad roads is also substantial, with a study on Nigeria’s road freight system estimating that poor road infrastructure costs the country about 7.8 billion dollars annually in freight disruptions, increased vehicle maintenance, fuel consumption and travel delays.

    Nigeria’s apex bank also put annual direct losses from bad roads at more than ₦133 billion, but experts say it is likely to be significantly higher given inflation and increased transport activity.

    Obi reiterated that investing in the rehabilitation of existing highways would improve mobility, reduce transportation costs, enhance road safety and support economic productivity.

    “A new Nigeria is possible,” he said.