Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the Federal Government’s decision to spend over ₦142 billion on building bus terminals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, calling it a glaring case of “misplaced priorities.”
The project, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on August 14, aims to construct ultra-modern bus terminals as part of what the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, described as the government’s first direct investment in transport infrastructure outside of road construction.
But in a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Obi condemned the move as irresponsible and reflective of poor leadership judgment.
“The recent announcement that ₦142 billion has been approved for the construction of one bus terminal in each of the six geopolitical zones further affirms the lack of competence, lack of focus, and poor leadership,” Obi wrote.
Drawing a sharp contrast, the former Anambra governor pointed out that Nigeria’s entire 2024 federal allocation for all teaching hospitals and psychiatric centres nationwide is less than ₦100 billion, highlighting what he sees as deeply flawed priorities.
“In the 2024 budget, the combined funding for all federal teaching hospitals and psychiatric centres is under ₦100 billion. Yet, the government found it fit to approve ₦142 billion for bus terminals,” Obi said.
He emphasized that healthcare, especially mental health, remains one of the most neglected sectors in Nigeria, despite growing concerns.
Citing a World Health Organization (WHO) report, Obi noted that over 20 million Nigerians are living with mental health challenges, an issue he believes should command more attention and resources.
Describing the approval as a “tragic irony,” Obi said it illustrates the government’s ongoing failure to invest in critical areas that directly impact the well-being of citizens.
“The difference between success and failure in any nation is how you choose to allocate your scarce resources,” he said.
“Health is a foundational element of development, yet we underfund it, while overspending on less urgent projects.”
