A trip through Nigeria’s uncompleted roads

Nigeria's road network is crucial for the transportation of goods and people, yet the current state of many roads leaves much to be desired. Despite numerous contracts over the past three decades, these roads remain in poor condition, despite regular budget allocations. The Federal Ministry of Works has identified 5,400 kilometers of highways and strategic road corridors that are currently under construction.

However, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has been instructed by President Bola Ahmed to review all projects and prioritize those that have reached 80% completion. Funding these projects through annual budgets has proven to be a challenge, prompting the government to explore alternative sources of funding.

Many road projects have been plagued by a lack of progress, with flag-offs and promises turning into partial works and abandonment. The 46km Ring Road, designed to divert heavy trucks away from Kano's congested city center, has stalled under several administrations, leaving it incomplete. Similarly, the 30km Northern Bypass and the 550km Kano–Maiduguri highway have also faced delays, funding issues, and security concerns, rendering them unusable for commuters and traders.

These abandoned projects have not only become a source of frustration for those reliant on them but have also contributed to increased traffic congestion and safety risks. Transporters and daily commuters have expressed their concerns over the poor condition of the roads, which not only increases travel time and costs but also poses dangers to life and security.

Experts attribute the failure of these projects to a combination of poor planning, inconsistent funding, and political transitions, highlighting a systemic issue within Nigeria's infrastructure development.