Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s recent approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of modern bus terminals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
In a statement released on Friday, Obi characterised the substantial expenditure as a clear example of misplaced priorities that demonstrates poor leadership and inefficient management of the nation’s limited resources.
Obi emphasised that the fundamental difference between successful and failed development in any nation lies in how scarce resources are prioritised. He expressed particular concern that the allocation for six bus terminals exceeds the combined budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres nationwide, which remains under ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget.
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This comparison becomes even more significant considering the World Health Organisation’s recent report indicating that over 20 million Nigerians are currently living with mental health issues.
The former presidential candidate described the situation as both a misplaced priority and a tragic irony for the country, stating that such decisions do not represent good governance.
While the Federal Executive Council approved the bus terminal project as part of efforts to modernise transport infrastructure, Obi maintained that critical sectors like healthcare desperately require more substantial investment. He argued that the government’s decision reflects a lack of competence, focus, and proper leadership in addressing the nation’s most pressing needs, particularly when essential services continue to deteriorate due to chronic underfunding.
cc: Vanguard NG
