Reps slam FG over 12-year delay on N165bn Oron-Calabar road

•Ask Ministry of Works, Finance to capture project in 2027 budget

•Express concern over wasted economic potential in N/Delta

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives yesterday issued a stern rebuke to the Federal Government over the 12-year delay in constructing the crucial Oron-Calabar section of the East-West Road, demanding an immediate end to the prolonged inaction stalling connectivity between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

In a unanimous resolution at plenary, the Lower Legislative Chamber urged the Federal Ministry of Works to promptly commence construction on the project and mandate its inclusion in the upcoming 2027 Federal Budget in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.

The motion, sponsored by Hon. Martins Esin, highlighted the government’s failure to execute Section V, Phase I of the trans-regional highway despite high-level approvals granted more than a decade ago.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) under former President Goodluck Jonathan initially approved the contract on October 22, 2014, for N165.3 billion, subsequently approving an additional N661.33 million on December 3, 2014, for engineering supervision.

Leading the debate, Hon. Esin lamented that the non-execution of the critical corridor has severely hampered trade and interstate travel across the oil-rich region.

“The prolonged delay has left a vital transportation link uncompleted, stifling the movement of people, goods, and services, and denying the Niger Delta its anticipated economic and developmental gains,” the House noted.

Lawmakers emphasized that opening up the Oron-Calabar axis remains essential to linking agricultural and commercial hubs, cutting transit times, and enhancing security along the coastal belt.

Concluding the debate, the House mandated its Committees on Appropriations and Works to monitor compliance and ensure full implementation of the resolution by the executive branch.