- Former agitators in the Niger Delta region have previously threatened massive protests over the road’s condition
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called for the immediate completion of the long-abandoned East-West Road, expressing frustration over the prolonged neglect of this critical infrastructure that connects key states across Nigeria.
The road, which leads to significant national assets such as the Onne Port, the Port Harcourt Refinery, and Indorama Eleme Petrochemical Ltd, has been left in a deplorable state for years. Former agitators in the Niger Delta region have previously threatened massive protests over the road’s condition.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, the INC expressed deep concern over the abandonment of the East-West Road and several other neglected roads, including those in Sampou, Odoni, Agbere, Abuetor, Osifo, Osekwenike, Asamabiri, Ekperiwari, and Elemebiri.
“The road is presently impassable, causing severe hardship to the Niger Delta people, particularly the Ijaw, who dominate the region in population,” the statement read.
The INC called on the federal government to immediately transfer the responsibility for completing the road to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and to release funds to the NDDC for its prompt completion.
“While we refrain from using threats, the INC warns that if immediate measures are not taken to complete the East-West Road, the organization may mobilize other related organizations and concerned bodies to stop vehicular movement on the road,” the statement concluded.