Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised the Minister of Works, David Umahi, over the approval of new road construction projects while many existing federal roads remain in deplorable condition.

Speaking on the floor of the Senate, the former Edo State governor said the minister should focus on rehabilitating deteriorating highways before embarking on fresh road projects.

According to Oshiomhole, about 20 new road projects were approved three weeks ago despite the poor state of major federal roads, particularly those linking Edo State to neighbouring states.

"The Federal Minister of Works needs to be guided because, whereas we have all these old roads that are in bad shape, he proposes the construction of new roads when existing roads are not there.

"Three weeks ago, I understand 20 new roads were approved, yet between Edo and Delta, there is manifest bias by the Minister of Works. You cannot go to Warri from Benin, you can't go to Asaba from Benin, you can't go to Auchi from Benin, you can't go to Auchi from Okene through Benin. What have we done wrong? I think the Minister has consistently shown that there is no federal allocation," Oshiomhole said.

The senator's remarks add to growing concerns over the condition of key federal highways in Edo State, with commuters and motorists repeatedly calling for urgent intervention on major road corridors connecting the state to other parts of the country.