The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to immediately commence the construction of Section V, Phase I of the East-West Road, spanning from Oron in Akwa Ibom State to Calabar in Cross River State.
The resolution followed a motion presented on the floor of the House by Hon. Martins Esin, who highlighted the strategic importance of the corridor in unlocking the economic potential of the Niger Delta region.
The East-West Road serves as a crucial artery connecting major industrial, commercial, and agricultural hubs across South-South Nigeria. However, the non-completion of the Oron–Calabar stretch continues to hamper seamless trade and transportation between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
Hon. Esin recalled that on October 22, 2014, under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the original contract for the construction of the Oron–Calabar section at the cost of N165.3 billion. Shortly after, on December 3, 2014, the FEC approved an additional N661.33 million for the project’s engineering supervision.
Despite these high-level executive approvals granted more than a decade ago, the critical project remains uncompleted, leaving key transportation links between the two sister states unrealized.
The non-implementation of this vital project has continued to constrain the movement of people and goods, thereby limiting the full economic and developmental benefits envisaged from the East-West Road infrastructure.
Hon. Martins Esin
Following extensive consideration, the House resolved to:
- Urge the Federal Ministry of Works to take immediate and decisive steps toward commencing the full construction of Section V, Phase I (Oron–Calabar).
- Urge the Federal Ministry of Works in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance to explicitly capture the funding required for the project in the upcoming 2027 budget estimates.
- Mandate the House Committees on Appropriations and Works to track and enforce strict compliance with the resolution to guarantee implementation.
- The completion of Section V, Phase I is widely regarded by stakeholders and regional leaders as the final link needed to complete the entire East-West Road network, foster regional integration, and boost economic growth across the South-South region.
