EX-ENVOY IGALI SLAMS UMAHI OVER POOR NIGER DELTA ROADS
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Norway, Sweden and Denmark, Amb. Godknows Igali, has criticised the Federal Government over the poor condition of major roads in the Niger Delta, saying the reality on the ground contradicts claims of significant progress by the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
Igali made the remarks during an interview with Africa Independent Television on Thursday, where he expressed concern over the state of the East-West Road and the Benin-Asaba corridor.
The former envoy said his frequent travels across the region had given him firsthand experience of the deteriorating roads, making it difficult to reconcile his observations with the minister’s statements.
“When I listen to the Minister of Works sometimes, I feel like breaking my television. Because I move around every time. I had to come in from Port Harcourt to be able to have this conversation with you. And the roads are not there,” Igali said.
He lamented that the condition of the East-West Road had worsened significantly, noting that journeys that previously took less than an hour now require several hours.
Igali cited the Sapele-Warri and Sapele-Benin routes as examples, saying commuters now spend far longer on journeys due to the poor state of the roads.
He also referred to recent protests by residents and commuters over the deplorable condition of the Asaba-Benin road, describing the demonstrations as evidence of growing frustration among road users.
According to him, the poor state of infrastructure in the Niger Delta is particularly troubling given the region’s enormous contribution to Nigeria’s economy and revenue.
“So the roads, and this is where the money comes from, it is the height of injustice,” he said.
Igali stressed that residents of the Niger Delta were not demanding preferential treatment, but were simply asking for fairness and equitable distribution of infrastructure.
“We are not asking for more than we should have. We are just saying be fair, be equitable, be just, be fair to all such people,” he said.
The former ambassador added that Nigerians were becoming more politically conscious and increasingly willing to demand accountability from government officials.
His comments came amid renewed concerns over the Benin-Asaba Expressway, following protests by youths and commuters over severe gridlock on the route.
The Federal Government has since intensified efforts to address the situation, with Umahi inspecting the highway and accusing the concessionaire of removing more than 30 kilometres of asphalt without adequate replacement.
The government subsequently began moves to terminate the concession, while President Bola Tinubu ordered the complete reconstruction of the affected highway.
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