Peter Obi Welcomes Tinubu's Warning on Flyovers, Urges Federal Government to Apply Same Standard

Former Anambra State Governor and former presidential candidate Peter Obi has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's reported warning to state governors against investing public funds in unnecessary flyover projects, describing the position as one he has consistently advocated throughout his years in public office.

In a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, Obi said governments should prioritize rehabilitating existing infrastructure and completing ongoing projects before embarking on expensive new developments that may offer limited public value.

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According to Obi, scarce public resources should be directed toward projects that improve citizens' lives, stimulate economic growth and address pressing infrastructure needs rather than projects whose benefits may not justify their costs.

"It is therefore noteworthy that President Bola Tinubu has now cautioned state governors against committing scarce public resources to constructing unnecessary flyovers in areas with little traffic while neglecting more pressing developmental needs."

Obi said the reported position aligns with a principle he has repeatedly emphasized—that government spending should focus on projects capable of delivering measurable economic and social benefits while avoiding wasteful expenditure.

Obi Calls for Similar Approach at the Federal Level

While commending the President's reported remarks to state governors, Obi argued that the same principle should equally guide decision-making at the Federal Government level.

He maintained that prudent management of public resources should not be selective, adding that every tier of government has a responsibility to ensure taxpayers' money is invested in projects that directly benefit Nigerians.

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According to him, some ongoing federal infrastructure projects have generated public debate over their priorities, especially as several strategic highways and existing public facilities across the country continue to require rehabilitation.

Obi argued that governments should carefully evaluate new capital projects to ensure they respond to genuine developmental needs and deliver long-term economic value.

Completing Existing Projects

Reflecting on his tenure as governor of Anambra State, Obi said his administration focused on completing inherited projects that were considered economically viable rather than abandoning them because they were initiated by previous governments.

He said governance should not be measured by who initiated a project but by whether the project is completed, useful and capable of improving the lives of citizens.

According to him, continuity in governance reduces waste, protects public investment and helps governments maximize limited financial resources.

He added that every administration should place national interest above political considerations when deciding which projects deserve priority.

Growing Debate Over Infrastructure Spending

The discussion comes as infrastructure development remains one of the most significant areas of public expenditure across Nigeria. Federal and state governments continue to allocate substantial resources to roads, bridges, rail projects and other capital developments aimed at improving transportation and supporting economic growth.

Supporters of flyover projects argue that they help reduce congestion, improve mobility and prepare rapidly expanding cities for future population growth. They also contend that well-planned transportation infrastructure can attract investment and improve commercial activities.

Critics, however, argue that some projects are undertaken without sufficient economic justification, particularly where traffic volumes remain relatively low or where existing roads require urgent rehabilitation.

Public finance experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of conducting detailed feasibility studies before approving major infrastructure projects. They argue that governments should prioritize investments capable of delivering measurable economic returns while ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the procurement and implementation process.

Economic Pressures and Public Priorities

Nigeria continues to face increasing demands for improved infrastructure alongside competing needs in healthcare, education, agriculture, security and social welfare.

With limited public resources available, economists have consistently encouraged governments to focus on projects that generate the greatest public value while maintaining existing infrastructure to avoid higher reconstruction costs in the future.

Many analysts believe completing abandoned projects and rehabilitating deteriorating roads can often deliver faster economic benefits than initiating entirely new developments.

Obi's comments have added another perspective to the broader national conversation on fiscal responsibility, infrastructure planning and effective governance, with observers noting that decisions on public projects should ultimately be guided by evidence, economic value and the long-term interests of Nigerians.

As discussions continue over infrastructure priorities, policymakers across the country are expected to face increasing scrutiny regarding how limited public funds are allocated and whether major projects provide lasting benefits for citizens.