The Federal Government has resumed work on the long-awaited 23-kilometre Ikom-Etomi-Agbokim road project in Cross River State, which had been abandoned since 2012.
The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, has praised the government’s renewed focus on the vital infrastructure, highlighting its significance for both tourism and agriculture in the region.
Speaking on Thursday, Enoh, who hails from the senatorial district, underscored the road’s potential to enhance access to the Agbokim Waterfalls, a key natural tourist attraction, and improve connectivity to four government-owned cocoa estates.
These estates were established during the administration of the late Michael Okpara and have been a cornerstone of agricultural development in the state.
Enoh, reflecting on the project’s origins, recalled that in 2012, alongside Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, then Senate Leader, they worked together to secure the award for the project from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The federal government’s decision to reinvest in the road project, Enoh noted, marks a significant turning point for the region’s development.
“In 2012, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, then Senate Leader, and I, as Chair of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, collaborated to secure the award of this project by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),” Enoh stated.
He expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his transformative leadership, noting that the government’s commitment to the road’s completion demonstrates its broader vision for promoting tourism, bolstering local economies, and fostering sustainable development in Cross River State.
The Minister also commended the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for prioritising the road project and ensuring its inclusion in the national development agenda. He called on residents to support the contractors in their efforts to complete the project within the stipulated time frame.
Dr Ajuwa Daniel, the NDDC State Director, addressed the gathering, urging the contractors—Faith Plant Services and Rhema Vision—to adhere strictly to the project specifications. He emphasised the importance of community involvement and ownership in ensuring the successful completion of the project.
Daniel also issued a stern warning to the communities, stressing that any interference from traditional leaders or youth groups demanding compensation could result in the project being reassigned to other areas.
“If contractors report interference from traditional leaders or youth groups demanding compensation, the project will be terminated and reassigned to other communities that are ready to cooperate,” he cautioned.
He further appealed to the community members to help safeguard construction equipment from vandalism and support the workers by providing meals where possible.
“Our target is to finish this road within one year. If the contractors meet this deadline, I will ensure their payments are processed promptly,” Daniel assured.
The resumption of work on the Ikom-Etomi-Agbokim road project signals a new chapter in the region’s infrastructural development, with expectations that it will not only boost the local economy but also enhance Cross River State’s standing as a major tourism destination.
