Baskadia

By ETTAH EMMANUEL O.

The deteriorating condition of the Calabar–Itu Road has once again sparked public outrage, as motorists and commuters continue to endure untold hardship on what should be a vital economic corridor. Reports and eyewitness accounts reveal a disturbing reality—drivers now spend nights stranded on the road due to its deplorable state, turning a once-busy highway into a nightmare of delays, breakdowns, and frustration.

This road, which connects Calabar to Itu, serves as a major link between the South-South region and other parts of Nigeria. Its importance goes beyond transportation; it is a critical route for the movement of goods, particularly from the Lafarge Africa Plc cement operations. Trucks conveying cement, stones, and other construction materials rely heavily on this road to distribute products nationwide.

However, the current state of the highway has severely disrupted this economic chain. Large craters, erosion, and failed sections of the road have made movement nearly impossible in certain areas. Heavy-duty trucks frequently break down or get stuck, causing long traffic build-ups that stretch for kilometers. Smaller vehicles are not spared either, as many suffer mechanical damage or are forced to halt operations entirely.

Beyond the economic implications, the human cost is even more alarming. Passengers, including women and children, are often left stranded for hours or even days without access to basic amenities. Drivers resort to sleeping in their vehicles, exposed to security risks and harsh weather conditions. What should be a few hours’ journey has now become an unpredictable and exhausting ordeal.

The situation raises serious concerns about infrastructure management and the prioritization of critical national assets. The Calabar–Itu Road is not just a local route—it is an economic artery that supports commerce, industry, and regional integration. Its neglect undermines productivity, increases the cost of goods, and discourages investment in the region.

There is a growing call on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and address this pressing issue. As part of the broader national economic strategy, rehabilitating this road should be treated as a matter of priority. Immediate palliative measures, followed by a comprehensive reconstruction plan, are necessary to restore normalcy and ensure long-term sustainability.

Stakeholders, including transport unions, business operators, and concerned citizens, have continued to voice their frustrations, urging the federal government to act decisively. The continued neglect of this road is not just an inconvenience—it is a direct blow to the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerians who depend on it daily.

In a time where economic recovery and growth are at the forefront of national discourse, fixing critical infrastructure like the Calabar–Itu Road is non-negotiable. The masses are suffering, businesses are bleeding, and the nation cannot afford to ignore this reality any longer.

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