Calabar, Cross River – In a decisive move to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents, Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to commence the immediate restoration of roads and the repair of potholes across the state.

The directive, announced earlier on Sunday, comes as the rainy season begins to subside, paving the way for urgent repairs to the state's deteriorating road network.

In a post on X, Governor Otu emphasized that the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to providing safe, smooth, and reliable roads for the people of Cross River State.
"Our people deserve safe, smooth, and reliable roads," he stated, underscoring the priority placed on mobility and infrastructure development.

In a follow-up post, the governor elaborated that the directive is part of a broader strategy to strengthen infrastructure and ensure that every community feels the impact of good governance.

"This directive is part of my administration’s ongoing commitment to improve mobility, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure that every community in Cross River State feels the impact of good governance," he said.

He added that the state is focused on "building back better and faster," signaling an ambitious plan to revitalize the state's transportation network.

The governor’s directive aligns with ongoing efforts to address Cross River State’s longstanding infrastructure challenges, particularly in rural areas.

According to a 2019 report from the African Development Bank on the Rural Access and Mobility Project (CR–RAMP), the state has historically struggled with impassable rural roads, impacting agriculture and local economies.

The project aimed to increase all-weather roads from 20% to 40% by 2020 and reduce transport costs, a goal that remains relevant as the state contends with seasonal rainfall damaging road surfaces.