A group of stakeholders in northern Cross River State, known as the “Who is Who Forum”, has raised concerns over the deplorable state of the Ogoja-Bekwarra-Katsina-Ala Federal highway. This critical road links Cross River State to northern Nigeria and has become increasingly nightmarish for travelers ¹.
According to Dormkclaimz Enamhe, Convener, and Johnny Again (SAN), Co-Convener, the poor road conditions have resulted in loss of lives, damaged vehicles, increased business costs, and wasted man-hours. The forum emphasized that the situation is now affecting villages and towns, as heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles seek alternative routes, damaging roads not designed for heavy traffic.
The forum specifically highlighted the Abuochiche-Ijibor stretch, which has become impassable due to a massive muddy gully splitting the road. They emphasized that Ogoja people, who contribute to Nigeria’s GDP through agriculture and other activities, deserve good roads like other citizens.
The “Who is Who Forum” urges the Federal government to urgently repair the Ogoja-Bekwarra-Katsina-Ala Federal highway, ensuring safe passage and livelihood for the people. They also call on the Cross River State government, lawmakers, and stakeholders to prioritize this project.
As one stakeholder noted, “Ogoja people are tired of living with this menace of a road, we want it fixed now.”
