Senator Adams Oshiomhole has accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of showing bias in the distribution of federal road projects, alleging that critical highways in Edo and Delta states have been neglected despite the approval of new infrastructure projects elsewhere in the country.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, raised the concerns during plenary at the Senate, calling on the leadership to intervene and encourage a more balanced approach to road development.

The former Edo State governor expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of major highways connecting communities across the two states, arguing that existing roads requiring urgent rehabilitation should receive attention before additional projects are undertaken.

He specifically identified the Benin–Warri, Benin–Asaba, Benin–Auchi and Auchi–Okene routes as roads where motorists continue to experience significant difficulties.

Oshiomhole noted that about 20 new road projects had reportedly been approved shortly before his intervention, questioning why critical sections of existing highways in Edo and Delta remained in poor condition.

He further alleged that the Ministry of Works had repeatedly failed to provide adequate budgetary allocations for the affected roads over the past three years, despite previous appeals to address their condition.

According to the senator, some interventions on the routes had depended on President Bola Tinubu's directives authorising the use of tax credits, rather than regular budgetary provisions.

He urged the Senate to prevail on Umahi to adopt what he described as a more balanced national outlook in allocating resources for road infrastructure, stressing the importance of ensuring that communities across the country received adequate attention.

Oshiomhole's remarks add to the debate over the distribution of federal infrastructure projects and the prioritisation of existing highways requiring rehabilitation.

The Minister of Works had previously rejected allegations that federal road projects were concentrated in the South-East, maintaining that projects nationwide were being implemented in line with approvals granted by the President.

Umahi has also defended the administration's infrastructure programme, describing its major highway projects as investments intended to improve national connectivity, facilitate trade and stimulate economic growth.

The Senate's intervention was sought to draw attention to the condition of the affected roads and encourage appropriate action by the Federal Government.