The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed the highly anticipated Rural Access Roads Authority Bill 2025. The landmark legislation, approved on Friday, is poised to tackle the persistent challenge of poor road networks in rural communities across the state.
The bill seeks to establish a dedicated authority responsible for the construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of rural access roads, critical lifelines that connect thousands of farmers, traders, and families to the rest of the state. Sponsored by House Leader Hon. Francis Asuquo, who represents the Odukpani State Constituency, the bill was first introduced in April and has since undergone rigorous deliberations, culminating in its unanimous passage following the final reading.
Chairman of the House Committee on Transport and Marine Services, Hon. Victor Nsa, underscored the urgent need for durable rural road infrastructure. He emphasized that functional roads are key to unlocking the economic potential of rural communities, especially in enhancing agricultural productivity by allowing farmers to transport their produce to urban markets with ease. Nsa also drew attention to longstanding issues such as shoddy construction, underfunding, and lack of proper maintenance, issues the new authority is expected to address head-on.
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With six comprehensive parts and 39 sections, the bill lays out a clear framework for strategic rural development. It aims to streamline the design, execution, and supervision of rural roads and allied infrastructure like drainage systems and bridges, ensuring they meet modern standards. Lawmakers hailed the legislation as a turning point for rural residents, many of whom depend heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods but have been held back by isolation and poor transportation links.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the Transport Committee, the bill’s sponsor, and fellow lawmakers for their dedication and speedy handling of the legislation. He lauded the bill as a vital step in improving the quality of life in rural Cross River, echoing the state government’s broader vision of inclusive development.
Ayambem also paid tribute to Governor Bassey Otu for his unwavering commitment to rural development, stating that the passage of the Rural Access Roads Authority Bill aligns seamlessly with the governor’s “People First” agenda. He noted that the bill’s implementation will not only improve access to basic services and markets but also open up rural areas for investment and growth, cementing Cross River’s position as a state on the rise.
