By BONIFACE AKARAH

Labour Party 2023 Presidential Candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over worsening traffic congestion across major highways in Nigeria, attributing the problem largely to poorly positioned security checkpoints.

In a statement shared on Sunday, January 11, 2026, Obi said his travels across several major roads during the festive season exposed what he described as “appalling levels of traffic congestion,” with some travellers reportedly abandoning journeys after being stuck for hours.

“A closer inspection reveals that the primary contributor to this congestion is the ill-placed security checkpoints,” Obi said, noting that checkpoints positioned at narrow road sections or near construction zones often bring traffic to a complete standstill.

While acknowledging the sacrifices made by security personnel, Obi stressed that greater discretion was required, particularly during peak travel periods when Nigerians are returning to work and navigating long distances amid poor road conditions. He warned that prolonged delays leave motorists exhausted and heighten the risk of road accidents.

“There is absolutely no justification for subjecting travellers to such avoidable setbacks. The purpose of security is to protect lives, not endanger them,” he said.

Obi also cautioned that extended gridlock forces motorists who begin their journeys early to remain on the road well into the night, exposing them to additional security risks at a time of rising insecurity.

“This contradicts the very objective of establishing security checkpoints,” he stated.

He called for a more strategic approach to road security, urging that checkpoints be located away from narrow roads and construction zones, inspections be conducted swiftly during heavy traffic, and security agencies work in coordination to reduce bottlenecks.

According to Obi, such measures would improve traffic flow without compromising security and make road travel safer and more humane. He concluded with his signature refrain: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”

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