Minister's road repair claims met with disbelief by ex-envoy

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, Godknows Igali, has voiced strong criticism of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, stating that the minister's pronouncements on road repairs often leave him wanting to "break" his television.

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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, speaking in an interview with Africa Independent Television, expressed deep concern over the persistent poor state of major roads in the Niger Delta region, including the critical East-West Road and the Benin-Asaba corridor. His frequent travels have provided him with firsthand experience of the deteriorating infrastructure, making it difficult to reconcile the reality he witnesses with official claims of improvements.

"When I listen to the Minister of Works sometimes, I feel like breaking my television," Igali stated. "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."

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Even so-called East-West Road is not in order. You can’t go from Sapele to Warri. It used to take us 40, 45 minutes. Today it takes about three hours from Sapele to Benin. One hour now takes about three or four hours.

He pointed to the East-West Road as a prime example, noting that journeys that once took less than an hour now take three or four hours. Recent protests by residents over the abysmal condition of the Asaba-Benin road further underscore the widespread frustration among commuters. Igali emphasized that the Niger Delta's significant economic contribution makes the neglect of its infrastructure particularly egregious, calling it "the height of injustice."

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So the roads, and this is where the money comes from, it is the height of injustice.

Igali stressed that residents are not seeking special treatment but equitable infrastructure development across the nation. He observed that Nigerians are becoming increasingly aware of their rights and are more inclined to demand accountability from their government, stating, "Our people are watching. Our people are watching."

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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.