Senator Eteng Williams Demands Urgent Federal Intervention on Ikom-Calabar, Ikom-Obudu Roads at FERMA Budget Defence

The Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, has expressed deep concern over the deplorable state of the Ikom-Calabar and Ikom-Obudu roads in Cross River State.

Senator Williams made this known during the 2025 budget defence session of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), before the Senate Committee on FERMA. He decried the worsening condition of these critical federal roads and the severe hardship being faced by his constituents who depend on them as the primary corridor linking Cross River Central to the state capital and Northern Nigeria.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the routes, the lawmaker noted that the roads cut across five local government areas, and provide access to the renowned Obudu Mountain Resort, one of Nigeria’s foremost tourism destinations, while connecting Cross River State to several northern states.

According to him, the near-total breakdown in the movement of goods and services along the corridors has crippled economic activities and heightened frustration among constituents. The situation has further escalated into protests by youths under the banner of “No Road, No Election,” reflecting growing public dissatisfaction.

In his response, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, acknowledged the strategic importance of the roads, describing them as critical arterial routes. He assured the Committee and the lawmaker that the Ministry is fully aware of the situation and will take appropriate steps to address the deplorable condition of the roads.

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