Senator Adams Oshiomole has publicly criticized the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for proposing the construction of new roads while existing roads remain in deplorable condition. Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Oshiomole urged that the minister needs to be guided in his approach to infrastructure development.
Oshiomole's Senate Remarks
According to Oshiomole, the Federal Minister of Works appears to be ignoring the pressing needs of old roads that are in bad shape. He noted that just three weeks ago, 20 new roads were approved, yet the minister has shown what he called a “manifest bias” against Edo and Delta states.
“You cannot go to Warri from Benin, you can't go to Asaba from Benin, you can't go to Auchi from Benin, you can't go to Auchi from Okene from Benin. What have we done wrong?” Oshiomole asked. He further stated that the minister has consistently demonstrated that there is no federal allocation for rehabilitating the old roads.
Impact on Edo and Delta
The senator’s comments highlight a growing frustration among lawmakers representing the South-South region, where critical federal roads have deteriorated. Oshiomole’s remarks suggest that Umahi’s focus on new projects may be politically motivated or misaligned with the urgent infrastructure needs of the area.
Oshiomole’s call for guidance underscores the need for the ministry to balance new construction with the rehabilitation of existing roads, a challenge faced by many federal road projects across Nigeria.
