The Cross River State government has made significant strides in reviving the Adiabo-Eseku road project, which had been abandoned since the era of General Sani Abacha. The road, initially awarded in 1992, was halted during the military administration, but the state government has now taken over its completion.
During a tour of the project, Hon. Ankpo Edet, the state commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, highlighted that three bridges had already been constructed by the Federal Government. The road has faced particular challenges due to its swampy sections, especially a 2.7 km stretch of the 10-kilometer road that required sand filling to ensure proper construction. Progress is being made, with realignment of the road and further efforts to fill the swampy areas. The same contractor from 1992 is still handling the project.
The goal of the project is to reduce travel time between Calabar and Akwa Ibom by providing an alternative route that avoids the heavily deteriorated Calabar-Itu road, a route notorious for long travel times—sometimes extending to two to three days due to its poor condition. This new road is expected to make a significant difference for the people of Cross River and neighboring states, offering a much-needed alternative for commuters and easing transportation challenges.
Edem Darlington, Director General of the Think Cross River Initiative, emphasized that the Adiabo-Eseku road is the largest infrastructure project undertaken by the current administration and is central to the governor’s agenda to improve the region’s infrastructure. Once completed, the road will alleviate the longstanding travel hardships faced by residents, particularly those traveling between Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
The project has generated local interest and support, with Darlington noting that the initiative is about getting the people to align with and support the governor’s development efforts, not just for Cross River but for the entire region.
Do you think this project will have a lasting impact on Cross River’s development, and could it serve as a model for other states facing similar infrastructural challenges?
