The debate over government spending priorities has resurfaced, with former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi urging the Federal Government to redirect resources towards fixing neglected infrastructure across the country.
In a statement on Saturday, Obi said governments at all levels should focus on rehabilitating and completing existing projects before embarking on new ones.
He maintained that the position, which he has consistently advocated, remains the most practical approach to managing public resources, despite criticism from some quarters.
Obi said President Bola Tinubu’s recent warning to state governors against constructing unnecessary flyovers in areas with limited traffic reflects the need for governments to invest in projects with direct impact on citizens.
However, he argued that the same principle should apply to the Federal Government, stressing that several ongoing projects at the national level require closer scrutiny, especially amid the condition of critical infrastructure across the country.
The former Anambra State governor pointed to the poor state of major highways connecting commercial centres and food-producing communities, describing the situation as a concern that requires urgent attention.
According to him, rehabilitating these key routes would provide greater benefits to Nigerians than pursuing projects that may not address immediate public needs.
Reflecting on his administration in Anambra State, Obi said his government prioritised completing viable inherited projects before starting new ones, noting that development should be measured by completed projects and their impact on citizens rather than by who initiated them.
He added that responsible leadership involves making difficult choices, including repairing damaged infrastructure, completing abandoned projects and ensuring public funds are directed towards initiatives that improve the lives of the greatest number of Nigerians.
