Minister praises FG for resuming abandoned road project in Cross River

Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh has expressed appreciation to the federal government for resuming work on the long-abandoned 23-kilometer Ikom-Etomi-Agbokim road project in Cross River State through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Enoh who hail from that senatorial district highlighted that the project had been abandoned since 2012. He emphasized the project’s significance, noting its role in facilitating access to the Agbokim Waterfalls, a major natural tourist destination, as well as connecting to four government-owned cocoa estates established during the tenure of the late Michael Okpara.

“In 2012, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, who was then the Senate leader, and I, as the chair of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, worked together to have this project awarded by the NDDC,” he recalled.

“Unfortunately, it was given to a company called Jameel, which we had no confidence in, and years later, the road remains in poor condition.”

“Today marks a positive turning point for this road project. I extend my gratitude to President Tinubu for his transformative leadership over the past year and a half. The federal government’s investment in this road reflects its commitment to promoting tourism, supporting local economies, and advancing sustainable development in Cross River State.”

Enoh also praised NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for restoring the Commission’s image by taking on this project again and urged residents to provide the necessary support to contractors for timely completion.

Dr. Ajuwa Daniel, the state director of the NDDC, addressed attendees, urging the two contractors responsible for the project—Faith Plant Services and Rhema Vision—to adhere to the project specifications.

He encouraged stakeholders from the three communities affected by the road to take ownership of the project, asking them to cooperate with the contractors and safeguard construction equipment from vandalism.

He warned, “If contractors report that local traditional leaders or youths are demanding compensation, we will terminate the project and award it to other communities that are eager for such infrastructure.”

“Youths should protect the equipment. If you can provide food for the contractors, please do so to help them complete the project on time. Our goal is to have this road finished within one year. If the contractors meet the deadline, I will ensure their payment is processed promptly.”

During the site handover to contractors in Ikom LGA, Community youth leaders committed to collaborating with the contractors to expedite the project’s execution.

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