Peter Obi Slams FG’s N142bn Bus Terminal Project, Labels It ‘Misplaced Priority’
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has criticised the federal government’s approval of ₦142.02 billion for the construction of ultra-modern bus terminals across the six geopolitical zones, describing it as evidence of “misplaced priorities.”
The project, announced on August 14, was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) following a proposal by the Ministry of Transportation. Minister Sa’idu Alkali said the initiative marks the first direct federal government investment in transport infrastructure beyond road construction, aimed at boosting safety, improving passenger comfort, and stimulating economic activities.
Obi’s Reaction: ‘Poor Judgment, Lack of Focus’
Reacting on Friday, Obi faulted the decision, arguing that it reflects poor judgment and a lack of leadership focus. He compared the allocation to Nigeria’s health sector, pointing out that the combined budget of all federal teaching hospitals and psychiatric centres in 2024 is less than ₦100 billion.
“The difference between the success and failure of development in any nation is how you prioritise your scarce resources,” Obi stated.
He added:
“The recent announcement that ₦142 billion has been approved by the federal government for the construction of one bus terminal in each of our six geopolitical zones further affirms the lack of competence, lack of focus, and poor leadership. In the 2024 budget, the entire allocation to all federal teaching hospitals and psychiatric centres is under ₦100 billion, yet the government has approved ₦142 billion for bus terminals.”
Health Sector vs. Infrastructure Spending
Obi expressed concern that health, a critical sector already underfunded, continues to suffer neglect. Citing a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, he highlighted that over 20 million Nigerians are living with mental health issues, stressing that such realities make the government’s spending priorities “disturbing.”
A ‘Tragic Irony’
Obi concluded by describing the move as a “tragic irony” that underscores the government’s failure to prioritise essential services, particularly healthcare, which directly impacts national productivity and citizens’ wellbeing.
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