Business/Economy
Otu seeks FG intervention on deplorable Uyo–Odukpani road
Written By: Admin
10 Oct 2025 04:40 AM
Calabar, Cross River – Bassey Edet Otu, Cross River State governor, has described the Uyo-Odukpani road as an economic emergency, just as he called on the federal government to urgently intervene in its rehabilitation.
Otu lamented that the deplorable state of the road is hampering trade, industrial operations, and inter-regional connectivity across the South-South.
The governor made the call while receiving members of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Works, led by Akin Alabi, chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Calabar. The governor was represented by Peter Odey, his deputy.
Welcoming the delegation, Otu expressed appreciation for their visit and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the ongoing Calabar–Lagos Coastal Highway project, which he described as a landmark initiative that would open up the South-South corridor for greater economic and industrial expansion.
However, Otu lamented the deplorable state of the Uyo–Odukpani Road, which he described as ‘a vital federal artery’ linking Cross River to Akwa Ibom and other parts of the country.
According to him, the poor condition of the road has continued to impede commercial activities and the smooth transportation of goods and services, with far-reaching economic consequences.
“The condition of the Uyo–Odukpani Road is deeply worrisome,” Governor Otu said, noting, “This is a major federal highway that connects our state to the rest of the South-South and beyond. Its present state affects not only human movement but also our economy. For instance, trucks from Lafarge Cement Company and other industries struggle daily to move goods out of the state. This situation has become a national emergency and demands urgent federal attention.”
Reaffirming his administration’s readiness to partner with the federal government and all relevant stakeholders to improve infrastructure and drive economic growth, the Governor pledged Cross River State’s continued cooperation in the pursuit of sustainable development.
“Cross River will remain a willing partner to all stakeholders committed to improving the living standards of our people. We are ready to collaborate in finding lasting solutions to our infrastructural challenges,” Otu assured.
Otu lamented that the deplorable state of the road is hampering trade, industrial operations, and inter-regional connectivity across the South-South.
The governor made the call while receiving members of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Works, led by Akin Alabi, chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Calabar. The governor was represented by Peter Odey, his deputy.
Welcoming the delegation, Otu expressed appreciation for their visit and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the ongoing Calabar–Lagos Coastal Highway project, which he described as a landmark initiative that would open up the South-South corridor for greater economic and industrial expansion.
However, Otu lamented the deplorable state of the Uyo–Odukpani Road, which he described as ‘a vital federal artery’ linking Cross River to Akwa Ibom and other parts of the country.
According to him, the poor condition of the road has continued to impede commercial activities and the smooth transportation of goods and services, with far-reaching economic consequences.
“The condition of the Uyo–Odukpani Road is deeply worrisome,” Governor Otu said, noting, “This is a major federal highway that connects our state to the rest of the South-South and beyond. Its present state affects not only human movement but also our economy. For instance, trucks from Lafarge Cement Company and other industries struggle daily to move goods out of the state. This situation has become a national emergency and demands urgent federal attention.”
Reaffirming his administration’s readiness to partner with the federal government and all relevant stakeholders to improve infrastructure and drive economic growth, the Governor pledged Cross River State’s continued cooperation in the pursuit of sustainable development.
“Cross River will remain a willing partner to all stakeholders committed to improving the living standards of our people. We are ready to collaborate in finding lasting solutions to our infrastructural challenges,” Otu assured.
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