Commissioner Condemns NDDC’s Attempt to Commission State-Led Road Project in Cross River

Calabar, Cross River State – June 14, 2025 —

The Cross River State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Pius Ankpo Edet, has publicly criticized the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over what he described as an inappropriate attempt to commission the ongoing Nyaghasang road project in Calabar, which he asserted was solely initiated and funded by the state government.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre on Saturday afternoon, Hon. Ankpo clarified that the project was never awarded by the NDDC and remains under the purview of the Cross River State Government.

“The Nyaghasang road is a project initiated by the Cross River State Government,” Ankpo stated. “We had some delays due to an outstanding debt to the initial contractor, which was fully cleared in December. This enabled us to re-award the project to a new contractor who is currently on site.”

He further detailed the level of work completed so far, including drainage systems, walkways, pavements, and culverts. According to him, earthwork and stone base installation were also completed, and the project was nearing the priming phase when erosion affected part of the surface.

“It came as a shock to us that the NDDC would plan to commission a project they neither initiated nor funded,” he added. “We still have our contractor on site, actively working. What the NDDC is doing is misleading and, frankly, inappropriate.”

Ankpo also emphasized that the Cross River State Government remains open to collaboration with federal agencies, noting that he had earlier written to the NDDC seeking a formal partnership.

“We are willing to work with any agency ready to support the development of Cross River State,” he said. “But due process and respect for existing commitments must be followed. Any unilateral move, especially like this, risks creating unnecessary conflict.”

He warned that actions like this could fuel division and misrepresentation, which run contrary to the spirit of unity and progress the state government is working hard to uphold.

The Commissioner’s remarks have sparked a broader conversation about project ownership and accountability between state and federal development agencies.

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