On August 14, the federal executive council (FEC) approved a plan to spend ₦142.02 billion to build modern bus terminals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The government says these terminals are meant to improve transport and passenger comfort.

The transportation minister, Sa’idu Alkali, said this is the first time the federal government is directly funding transport hubs outside of building roads. He argued the move will make travel safer and help local business by improving transport facilities.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, strongly disagreed with the decision. He called the spending a clear sign that the government is choosing the wrong things to fund and that its leaders lack proper focus.

Obi pointed out that the total yearly budget for every federal teaching hospital and psychiatric centre in Nigeria is less than ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget. He compared that lower figure to the ₦142 billion set aside for just one bus terminal in each zone and said this shows poor priorities.

He also said this is especially worrying because the health sector is already failing and does not get enough money. Obi noted that mental health is a big problem in Nigeria and that, according to WHO figures, over 20 million Nigerians have mental health issues — something that needs more funding and attention.

Obi described the bus terminal approval as a sad irony: while health services struggle, the government approves a large sum for transport buildings. He says how a nation succeeds depends on smart choices about how to use limited money — and he believes this choice was the wrong one.

In short, Obi sees the ₦142 billion bus terminal plan as proof of misplaced priorities. He calls for leaders to rethink spending and give critical sectors like health the funds they need.