The Cross River State Executive Council has given the green light for a series of emergency and strategic road projects aimed at improving critical infrastructure across ten local government areas.
The approvals came during the council’s 8th meeting of the year, held on Wednesday, July 23, at the Governor’s Office Complex in Calabar. The session was chaired by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
In his opening remarks, Odey called for renewed dedication among government officials, highlighting the administration’s “People First” philosophy as central to its infrastructure strategy.
Among the top priorities approved was the urgent repair of deteriorating sections of the Calabar-Ikom Highway, particularly around the Awi-Uyanga-Okomita axis. The route is considered a vital link connecting the state’s central and northern regions with neighboring states in the southeast.
The Council also endorsed a two-phase rollout of construction and rehabilitation works to be managed by six separate contractors. In the first phase, work will commence on a 25km stretch of the Mfom-Okpoma Road in Yala LGA and a 10km section of the Ndok Junction-Mbube-Okubushuyu Road in Ogoja LGA.
The second phase includes the completion of the Boki East-West Road and construction of John Okpa Road in Obubra. Additional work is planned for Odukpani LGA, covering Obot Oko and Adiabo-Akani Obio Ukpahata Roads, as well as multiple roads within Calabar Metropolis such as Efa Street, Esuk Atu Avenue, Oma Street, and God’s Heritage–Prof. Francis Bassey Crescent.
Further interventions include the channelisation of flood-prone areas around the Governor’s Office along the Uyanga-Ifumkpa Road in Akamkpa LGA, and internal road maintenance at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Calabar campus.
Emergency remediation efforts were also approved for erosion-threatened zones near the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, along with rehabilitation of short access roads in the Ekorinim II area.
Speaking after the meeting, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, stated that the projects reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening road networks for economic growth and improved quality of life.
“These projects aren’t just about roads they are investments in the wellbeing of our people,” Ekpang said. “Infrastructure is a backbone of economic activity, and we’re making sure every LGA benefits from this commitment.”
The meeting also covered other development-focused initiatives, including upgrades to healthcare facilities, educational reforms, and new economic empowerment programmes, all part of a broader agenda to promote inclusive development across the state.
