NASS declares a state of emergency on the Calabar-Itu highway after lawmakers express disappointment over poor progress on the vital road project.
The National Assembly has officially declared a state of emergency on the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway, citing the alarming state of disrepair and sluggish pace of ongoing construction.
This resolution came after an inspection tour by the Joint Committee on Works from both chambers of the National Assembly, led by Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, and Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works. The lawmakers expressed deep disappointment over the road’s deplorable condition despite previous interventions.
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The inspection followed a motion of national importance raised on November 20, 2024, by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, who had earlier called on the Federal Government to probe the slow pace of the project. The motion led to multiple public hearings and even the termination and re-award of contracts for segments of the road.
However, during the latest on-site evaluation, the committee observed minimal progress, prompting the drastic decision to declare a state of emergency on the vital economic route.
Senator Ekpenyong expressed disappointment on behalf of the delegation, emphasizing the committee’s resolve to conduct a public hearing aimed at identifying and resolving the persistent challenges stalling the highway’s completion.
He highlighted the urgency of intervention, especially with the Christmas season approaching, a period that witnesses heavy vehicular movement along the route. The Calabar-Itu highway remains a critical link connecting Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and the wider South-South region, facilitating the transport of goods, agricultural produce, petroleum products, and passengers.
Ekpenyong commended President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing commitment to national infrastructure renewal, urging the Federal Government to sustain attention on this “vital economic corridor.” He also appreciated the leadership of the Senate President, the National Assembly, and the Governors of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, Bassey Otu and Umo Eno, for their support and hospitality during the committee’s visit to Calabar and Uyo.
The lawmaker concluded that the move underscores the importance of legislative oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency in government projects for the collective benefit of Nigerians.
