BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has sharply criticized the federal government, blaming its alleged negligence for the state’s deteriorating road infrastructure.
In a candid address to journalists on Saturday, August 19, 2023, in Benin City, Obaseki painted a grim picture of federal roads within the state, emphasizing the stark contrast to the state-managed roads.
Drawing attention to the critical transport artery linking Uromi in Esan South East to Agbor in Delta State, the governor recounted a troubling observation.
“I went to Esan land a few days ago,” said Obaseki, “and saw almost 1,000 trailers stuck on that bad Federal Government road. But when we shifted to our State roads, like from Igueben to Ujogba and onto Ugoneki, the journey was noticeably smoother.”
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Edo State, with its strategic location connecting various parts of Nigeria, has historically been at the crossroads of national transit.
Its roads are essential for anyone traveling from North to South or from West to East. However, according to Obaseki, the Federal Government has not upheld its end of the bargain.
“The problem today is the failure of the Central Government,” the governor stated emphatically. “Edo’s road network should be our pride, our advantage. But what we have, due to the Federal Government’s lack of action, are roads that are almost impassable.”
Governor Obaseki’s remarks reflect growing discontent among many in the state and potentially wider regions of Nigeria, where decaying infrastructure has become an impediment to economic growth and daily life.
It remains to be seen whether Obaseki’s vocal criticism will spur any action from the federal level, but for the people of Edo State, the hope is that their vital roadways will soon see the repairs and maintenance they desperately need.
