Senator Eteng Williams Raises Alarm Over Deplorable State of Ikom Calabar, Ikom Obudu Roads
By Ekanem Asuquo
The lawmaker representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Eteng Williams, has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Ikom Calabar and Ikom Obudu federal highways, describing the situation as unbearable for residents and road users.
The alarm was raised during the 2025 budget defence session of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency before the Senate Committee in Abuja.
Williams said the people of Cross River Central can no longer endure the hardship caused by the total collapse of the two critical road corridors, which serve as major economic lifelines in the state.
According to him, the movement of goods and services along the Ikom Calabar and Ikom Obudu routes has almost broken down, crippling commercial activities and worsening the economic strain on communities that depend heavily on the roads for trade and transportation.
For several weeks, aggrieved youths from Ikom and Boki, pained by the deplorable condition of the Ikom Obudu road, have repeatedly blocked the highway in protest. The demonstrators, who described the situation as intolerable, chanted No Road No 2027 Elections, insisting that they would no longer accept political promises without visible action on the road.
Williams said the frustration among residents is understandable, given what he described as prolonged neglect of the highways. He stressed that urgent federal intervention is non negotiable and urged the relevant authorities to prioritise immediate rehabilitation to prevent further economic losses and social unrest.
Responding to the concerns, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, acknowledged the strategic importance of the affected highways. He assured the Senate Committee that the Ministry is aware of the challenges and would take appropriate action to address the situation.
The Ikom Calabar and Ikom Obudu roads remain key federal routes linking several communities in Cross River State and facilitating movement across the central and northern parts of the state. Residents have continued to call for comprehensive repairs to restore smooth transportation and boost economic activities in the region.
