Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has directed the immediate commencement of remedial work on the failed sections of the Calabar-Odukpani Road, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring one of the state’s most strategic highways and ensuring the safety of thousands of motorists and residents who rely on the route daily.
The governor issued the directive on Monday during an inspection tour of critical portions of the road, where severe potholes, gully erosion and extensive pavement failures have significantly hampered movement and exposed commuters to serious risks.
The Calabar-Odukpani Road is a vital transportation corridor connecting Calabar, the Cross River State capital, to Odukpani Local Government Area, Akamkpa and several other communities within and outside the state. It also serves as a major gateway for commercial activities, the movement of agricultural produce and interstate travel.
However, years of deterioration and inadequate maintenance have left large sections of the road in deplorable condition, prompting repeated complaints from motorists, transport operators, business owners and residents who have lamented the increasing travel time, vehicle damage and rising accident risks along the route.
During the inspection, Governor Otu expressed concern over the condition of the road, describing the failed sections as unacceptable and assuring residents that his administration would take immediate steps to address the problem.
“Today, I undertook another round of inspection across the Calabar corridor, with particular attention to the failed sections of the Calabar/Odukpani Road. Seeing the condition of these critical stretches further reinforces our resolve to ensure that our people can move safely and conveniently,” the governor said.
He stressed that the safety and convenience of road users would no longer be compromised by years of neglect, adding that restoring critical infrastructure remains one of the key priorities of his administration.
According to the governor, the immediate intervention is intended to provide temporary relief while broader plans are pursued to ensure the long-term rehabilitation of the road.
He noted that poor road infrastructure not only affects transportation but also impacts economic activities, access to healthcare, education and the overall quality of life of residents.
Governor Otu explained that improving road networks across Cross River State is essential to unlocking economic opportunities, attracting investments and promoting tourism, for which the state is widely known.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s determination to strengthen infrastructure development across both urban and rural communities, saying quality roads remain indispensable to sustainable economic growth.
Residents and motorists who witnessed the inspection welcomed the governor’s visit, expressing optimism that the renewed attention would finally bring lasting relief after years of hardship.
Commercial drivers operating along the corridor have repeatedly complained that the deteriorating road has increased vehicle maintenance costs, reduced the lifespan of their vehicles and forced them to spend longer hours transporting passengers and goods.
Business owners in communities along the highway have also argued that the poor condition of the road has negatively affected commerce by discouraging movement and increasing transportation costs.
The governor’s inspection forms part of ongoing efforts by the Cross River State Government to assess the condition of critical infrastructure and identify priority areas requiring urgent intervention.
Officials who accompanied the governor during the tour inspected several damaged portions of the highway where erosion has eaten deep into the road shoulders, while numerous potholes have narrowed sections of the carriageway and made driving particularly hazardous.
The administration noted that remedial works would commence immediately on the most severely affected sections to restore traffic flow and reduce the risks faced by commuters.Infrastructure experts have long identified the Calabar-Odukpani Road as one of the state’s most important transport arteries because of its role in linking communities, facilitating trade and supporting economic activities within the state and neighbouring areas.
The road is also frequently used by heavy-duty vehicles transporting goods to and from Calabar, making regular maintenance essential for preserving its structural integrity.
Governor Otu assured residents that his administration remains committed to investing in infrastructure projects capable of improving livelihoods and driving economic development across Cross River State.
He emphasized that government would continue to monitor ongoing interventions to ensure that contractors deliver quality work that meets the expected standards.
The governor urged residents to support the administration’s development efforts by exercising patience during the repair period and cooperating with relevant authorities as construction activities commence.
He reaffirmed that rebuilding critical infrastructure would remain central to his government’s agenda, expressing confidence that the rehabilitation of the Calabar-Odukpani Road would significantly improve transportation, boost economic activities and enhance the overall well-being of the people of Cross River State.
