Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticized the federal government’s approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of modern bus terminals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, describing the move as an example of misplaced priorities.
In a statement released on Friday titled “₦142 Billion For Bus Terminals,” Obi said the decision reflects weak leadership and a lack of competence in managing the nation’s limited resources.
“The difference between success and failure in national development lies in how scarce resources are prioritized,” Obi said. “The recent approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of a single bus terminal in each geopolitical zone underscores the government’s lack of focus, competence, and leadership.”
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Obi drew attention to the health sector, noting that the combined 2024 budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres nationwide is less than ₦100 billion.
“This is particularly concerning given that health is a critical area of development, yet it remains underfunded and deteriorating,” he said. “According to the World Health Organization, over 20 million Nigerians are living with mental health challenges. Prioritizing bus terminals over healthcare is not only misplaced but a tragic irony. This is not governance.”
The Federal Executive Council had recently approved ₦142 billion for the construction of one bus terminal in each geopolitical zone as part of efforts to modernize transport infrastructure. However, Obi maintained that investments in healthcare and other essential sectors should take precedence over such projects.
