By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Joint Committee on Works of the National Assembly has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the deplorable state and slow pace of construction on the Calabar–Itu Federal Highway, describing the situation as a national emergency requiring immediate government intervention.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akinola Alabi, raised the concern on Sunday during an inspection tour of the Calabar–Itu road and the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway in Cross River State. The visit was part of the committee’s constitutional oversight to assess progress on ongoing federal road projects.
Alabi, accompanied by the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Usman Banye; Joint Committee Coordinator, Engr. Ashley Emenike; Senate Committee Chairman on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong; and other members, expressed dissatisfaction with both the progress and the performance of some contractors handling sections of the Calabar–Itu project.
He blamed the delays on the decision to switch the project design from asphalt to concrete pavement and criticised the capacity of several contractors to deliver quality work.
“Even the portions already completed in concrete are not impressive,” Alabi said. “Not all contractors can handle concrete roads. In exception, HITECH has not done badly with its assigned section.”
Alabi announced that the committee would convene a public hearing to summon all contractors, officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, and other stakeholders to explain the persistent delays.
“We need a national emergency on this road,” he declared. “As a parliament, we will invite every contractor, the ministry, controllers, zonal directors, and the minister himself. This road is a lifeline between Cross River and other parts of the South-South. We cannot keep quiet while Nigerians suffer daily on it.”
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, said the oversight visit followed a motion he raised in the Senate last year after a pregnant woman delivered her baby inside a car during a traffic gridlock caused by the poor road.
“This road has remained in this state of disrepair for several years. Last year, during one of the gridlocks, a woman delivered in her car because of the condition of the road. Despite all our engagements with the ministry and contractors, not much progress has been made,” Ekpenyong said.
He noted that the road’s current condition has crippled economic and social activities between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, forcing many residents to rely on unsafe waterways where 17 passengers were recently kidnapped.
“What is the alternative?” he asked. “People cannot move, trade, or work. The South-South economy depends on this corridor for transporting cement, flour, petroleum, and agricultural goods. I am ashamed that this is happening in my local government of origin.”
Ekpenyong welcomed the planned public hearing and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, stressing that the situation deserves urgent executive action.
During the tour, the lawmakers also inspected the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project. Alabi described it as one of the most strategic infrastructure investments of the current administration and commended the quality of work delivered by HITECH Construction Company.
“We have been to the Lagos end several times, and it’s exciting to see progress here in Cross River. This project will connect multiple states and open up new economic opportunities for Nigerians,” he said.
Senator Banye praised the project, calling it a “legacy initiative” of President Tinubu, while Senator Ekpenyong expressed optimism that it would stimulate local economies and improve land value in host communities.
The Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State, Engr. Yinka Onafuye, assured the lawmakers that a quality control team and engineers had been deployed to ensure standards were maintained.
“The Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President is being implemented. We only ask for patience from the people while we deliver these projects,” Onafuye said.
