Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has directed the immediate rehabilitation of the deteriorated sections of the Calabar–Odukpani highway, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring safe and efficient transportation across the state.
The road, which is one of the state’s busiest transport corridors, connects Calabar, the state capital, with Odukpani, Akamkpa and several neighbouring communities. Its worsening condition has become a major concern for residents, motorists and commercial transport operators, with damaged sections posing serious risks to road users.
Governor Otu issued the directive on Monday after personally inspecting several affected locations along the Calabar corridor. During the visit, he assessed the impact of extensive potholes and erosion that have severely damaged parts of the highway, making travel increasingly difficult and hazardous.
Speaking during the inspection, the governor said the condition of the road underscored the need for swift intervention, stressing that his administration would not allow commuters to continue facing avoidable dangers while using such an important route.
According to him, the inspection further strengthened the government’s determination to provide safer roads and improve the overall travel experience for residents and visitors.
To ensure immediate action, Otu instructed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to deploy contractors to the affected areas without delay and begin emergency rehabilitation works aimed at restoring traffic flow and reducing the risks associated with the damaged sections.
He explained that the emergency repairs are intended to provide temporary relief for motorists while the government prepares a more comprehensive and permanent solution to tackle the recurring deterioration of the road.
The governor noted that simply patching damaged portions would not adequately address the underlying structural problems responsible for the repeated failures. Instead, he said the state government is developing a long-term engineering strategy that will deliver a stronger and more durable roadway capable of withstanding future challenges.
Otu maintained that infrastructure development remains one of the key priorities of his administration, adding that every project undertaken is designed to improve the welfare of citizens and support economic activities across the state.
He said the government is committed to delivering road projects that meet modern engineering standards and provide lasting value, rather than temporary fixes that would require repeated repairs.
The governor further assured residents that the planned intervention would not only improve road safety but also ease the movement of people and goods, thereby boosting commercial activities within the affected communities and beyond.
While acknowledging the inconvenience experienced by commuters over the years, Otu appealed for continued patience as the government intensifies efforts to rehabilitate critical infrastructure across Cross River.
He also urged residents to cooperate with contractors during the repair period, expressing confidence that the intervention would bring lasting benefits to the state.
The governor reiterated that his administration remains focused on providing quality infrastructure capable of meeting both present and future needs, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to improve living standards and create a safer environment for everyone using the state’s road network.
