The leadership of Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure the simultaneous commencement of the Coastal Superhighway project from both Calabar and Lagos ends to guarantee equitable development for Cross River state NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
During a meeting in Calabar the state capital with Engr. Mrs. A. R. Osim, the Acting Federal Comptroller of Works in Cross River state, the forum emphasized the critical importance of initiating the road project concurrently from both ends to dispel fears of neglect and marginalization.
Chairman of the CRSCF, Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo Esq., expressed concern over the historical neglect of Cross River State in federal infrastructure projects and called for urgent action to address the perceived disparities. He highlighted the significance of the Coastal Superhighway project as a transformative initiative that would enhance connectivity and socio-economic development in the state.
Ekpo stressed, “We were exhilarated by the news that the Lagos-Calabar coastal superhighway is about to be launched. And we are also worried that it will end up the way all others have ended. The Calabar end will never come to fruition. So our appeal to the Honourable Minister is this; the distance between Calabar and Lagos is the same distance between Lagos and Calabar. We are aware that Lagos state government has published notice of revocation of rights of occupancy and the right of way. We are appealing to the federal minister of works to do the same. Let the road start from the two ends simultaneously. That will reassure us that we are also part of the federal republic of Nigeria. We are not a forgotten people.
“We are appealing that that coastal superhighway, a lofty conception of a road project should please start from both ends. From Calabar end and from Lagos end simultaneously. We have been listening, watching and waiting for the time when the state government will publish revocation of rights of occupancy and also mark out the right of way from Calabar end. We are appealing that the federal minister of works should please come to our aid in.”
In response, Engr. Mrs. A. R. Osim assured the forum of the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns and ensuring the timely execution of critical infrastructure projects in Cross River State. She acknowledged the challenges faced by contractors and pledged to liaise with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the swift resolution of outstanding issues hindering project implementation.
Osim affirmed, “Cross River will not be left behind in everything that you have raised concern about. We will pass across this message to the Honourable Minister. I believe attention will be given to them.”
On his part, Hon Ani Esin the Special Adviser to Gov Bassey Otu on Niger Delta, who was part of the delegation observed that the call for the simultaneous commencement of the Coastal Superhighway project underscores the aspirations of Cross Riverians for equitable development and infrastructure provision. Esin added as discussions progressed that “stakeholders remain hopeful for tangible progress towards the realization of this transformative initiative, which holds immense potential to unlock the socio-economic potential of the region and enhance connectivity across the nation.”
Present at the meeting were other members of the CRSCF especially Hon. Victor E. Okon, Sir Maurice Effiwatt and Prof Emmanuel Eyo Esq., as well as some directors at the Federal Ministry of Works in the state.
