Ogun, Kogi Parade Worst Roads Among Nigerian States

A report from the State Performance Index (SPI), released by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), has highlighted the critical state of road infrastructure across Nigeria, identifying a dozen states with the poorest quality road networks. The report places Ogun and Kogi at the top of the list, followed closely by Imo and Taraba states.

The comprehensive index, which evaluated governance and development across all 36 states, ranked states based on various indicators, including the condition of their road infrastructure. The findings reveal a significant challenge for both state and federal governments in addressing a nationwide issue that impacts economic activity, security, and the daily lives of citizens.

According to the report, which assessed infrastructure across the 36 states, at least 12 states were identified as having the worst road networks, with Ogun State topping the list, followed closely by Kogi and Imo. Taraba, Ondo, Edo, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Kwara, Kaduna, and Ekiti also featured among the bottom 12.

The index highlighted that these states face persistent challenges of dilapidated highways, poor maintenance culture, and insufficient investment in road infrastructure, which continue to undermine economic growth and safe mobility.

Road users in these states have consistently raised concerns about accidents, longer travel times, and high vehicle maintenance costs due to bad road conditions.

Analysts argue that the poor road networks not only affect local economies but also hamper interstate trade and agricultural distribution.

The NGF urged state governments to prioritize infrastructure renewal, particularly rural and interstate link roads, as part of broader development strategies. It also called for stronger collaboration with federal agencies and private investors to bridge funding gaps in road construction and rehabilitation.