Former Nigerian Ambassador to Norway, Amb. Godknows Igali , has criticized the Federal Government over the poor state of roads in the Niger Delta , stating that the condition of major highways contradicts claims of significant progress by Minister of Works, David Umahi . During an interview on Africa Independent Television, Igali highlighted the dire state of critical infrastructure, specifically the East-West Road and the Benin-Asaba corridor.

He emphasized that travel times on key routes have drastically increased due to road degradation, which is fueling frustration among residents and risks isolating the region. Igali warned that the continued neglect of these essential economic routes requires immediate attention.

The former ambassador said his frequent travels had given him firsthand knowledge of the condition of the roads, making it difficult for him to reconcile what he sees with statements from the works minister.

“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 said the East-West Road had deteriorated to the extent that journeys which previously took less than an hour now require several hours.

“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 said.

Former Ambassador Godknows Igali cited recent public protests along the Asaba-Benin highway as a clear sign of severe public frustration over poor road conditions. He argued that the ongoing neglect of this critical infrastructure is unjust, especially given the Niger Delta’s substantial contribution to Nigeria’s national revenue.

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

He maintained that residents of the region were not demanding special treatment, but 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 envoy further said Nigerians were becoming increasingly conscious of their rights and more willing to participate in politics and demand accountability from government officials.

“Our people are watching. Our people are watching,” he said.

“No, people are now wiser. They are reasoning, they are wiser. The political bandwidth is now wider for people to reason and participate.”

Ambassador Godknows Igali ’s remarks come amid heightened public scrutiny over the Benin-Asaba Expressway , where severe gridlock recently triggered massive protests from local youths and stranded commuters . In immediate response to the backlash, the Federal Government ramped up its intervention efforts. Minister of Works David Umahi personally inspected the highway and fiercely criticized the project’s concessionaire, accusing them of professional misconduct for peeling off over 30 kilometers of asphalt without laying down an adequate replacement .

Following the tense site assessment, the Ministry of Works initiated formal proceedings to terminate the non-performing concession agreement. To provide a permanent solution to the infrastructure crisis, President Bola Tinubu has bypassed temporary fixes and ordered a complete redesign and comprehensive reconstruction of the heavily degraded highway .