The Cross River State government has urgently implored the Federal Government to accelerate the reconstruction of the Calabar-Uyo federal highway, a crucial route that has remained in a concerning state for over a decade. Abigail Duke Orok, the Commissioner for Commerce, voiced these concerns during her visit to the Federal Controller of Works in Calabar. The deterioration of this highway, which connects Calabar to Akwa Ibom and other eastern states, has significantly hindered travel times, transforming a journey that once took about an hour into a grueling ordeal of at least five hours. This alarming situation not only affects commuters but also poses serious challenges for businesses reliant on efficient transportation for their operations.
The condition of the highway has raised considerable alarm among business operators, as the poor infrastructure impacts the logistical efficiency of moving goods and services in and out of Cross River State. The longer travel times have led to steep increases in transportation costs, with ripple effects on product pricing and availability in the local market. The state government’s proactive stance aims to highlight the urgent need for infrastructural improvements, particularly as they prepare for significant events like the upcoming International Trade Fair in November and the famed Carnival Calabar in December, both of which attract considerable participation from neighboring states and beyond.
In her address, Commissioner Abigail Duke Orok emphasized the importance of addressing critical road infrastructure issues to bolster economic activities in Cross River State. She underscored the appeal for emergency measures, stating that palliative work on essential access roads is critical for ensuring high participation rates during the anticipated events. Acknowledging the current plight, she specifically mentioned the deplorable conditions across numerous access routes to Calabar, notably the Calabar-Uyo highway, and several others such as the Ikom-Obudu and Bekwarra-Vandekya roads that are often rendered practically impassable.
The government’s appeals are directed not only at improving road conditions but also at fostering an environment conducive to business growth and increased tourism, particularly with the festive season approaching. The Commerce Commissioner articulated that successful outcomes from the upcoming Trade Fair and Carnival could be significantly influenced by the state of the roads, which currently serve as critical connectors for trade and cultural exchange. Enhanced infrastructure is vital for attracting participation from other regions, thus positioning Cross River State as an appealing hub for commerce and festivities.
Engr. Adebisi Osim, the State Controller of Works for the Federal Ministry of Works, responded favorably to the appeal, acknowledging the concerns presented by Commissioner Orok. He assured her that he would communicate the issues to the relevant authorities. He also mentioned that his department has been actively engaging with contractors who are tasked with the various ongoing road projects in the region, with an emphasis on ensuring timely completion of these vital infrastructures. This interaction indicates a level of responsiveness from the federal body to regional concerns, suggesting that collaborative efforts are underway to address the dire state of the roads.
Overall, the issues outlined by the Cross River State government reflect broader infrastructural challenges facing many regions in Nigeria. The emphasis on urgent action to repair and upgrade key highways signifies a critical need for enhanced governmental focus on transportation infrastructure, which is a pillar for economic development and local prosperity. With the Carnival and International Trade Fair on the horizon, stakeholders hope that swift action will alleviate transportation woes, thus enabling smoother logistics and promoting greater regional connectivity, ultimately driving economic growth in Cross River State.
