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Senator Challenges Works Minister Over Uneven Distribution of Federal Road Projects as Peter Obi’s Benin Bypass Visit Sparks Fresh Controversy
The controversy surrounding the condition of Nigeria’s federal roads has taken a new dimension following allegations by former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, that the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has not been fair in the distribution of federal road infrastructure projects across the country.
The development followed recent public attention generated by the visit of former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to the entrance of the Benin City Bypass, where he expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the road and questioned the state of infrastructure in parts of Nigeria.
The visit triggered a response from Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, who challenged Obi to a debate over the administration and development of road infrastructure under the current Federal Government.
However, the debate over road development has now expanded beyond political opposition, with Senator Oshiomhole, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), raising concerns on the floor of the Senate.
Oshiomhole reportedly faulted what he described as an imbalance in the allocation and execution of federal road projects, urging the Works Minister to adopt a more equitable approach that reflects the needs of all regions and states.
The former Edo governor argued that road infrastructure remains a critical driver of economic development, security, agriculture, trade, and national integration, stressing that no part of the country should feel neglected in federal infrastructure planning.
His intervention has attracted attention because it came from a serving senator and a member of the ruling party, rather than from opposition voices alone.
Observers note that while the Federal Government has embarked on several major road projects across the country, including highways, bridges, and rehabilitation works, concerns about the condition of many federal roads remain widespread among Nigerians.
The Benin Bypass controversy has therefore become a symbol of the broader national conversation on infrastructure priorities, project distribution, funding, and maintenance of existing roads.
Political analysts have also observed the contrast in reactions: while Peter Obi’s criticism attracted a direct challenge from the Works Minister, Senator Oshiomhole’s intervention on the Senate floor has not generated a similar public invitation for a debate from the minister.
The unfolding debate raises fundamental questions about accountability, transparency, and fairness in infrastructure development.
For many Nigerians, the issue is not only about political arguments but about the everyday realities of motorists, businesses, farmers, and communities that depend on functional road networks for survival.
As the conversation continues, stakeholders are calling for evidence-based assessment of road projects, equitable distribution of infrastructure investments, and constructive engagement rather than political exchanges.
#NigeriaRoads
#InfrastructureDevelopment
#DavidUmahi
#AdamsOshiomhole
#BeninBypass
