The Cross River House of Assembly on Friday passed the Rural Access Roads Authority Bill 2025, aiming to transform transportation infrastructure in rural areas across the state.
The bill, which received overwhelming support during its final reading, seeks to tackle infrastructural neglect in rural communities by establishing an authority responsible for the construction and rehabilitation of rural access roads.
The executive bill, sponsored by House Leader Mr Francis Asuquo, representing Odukpani State Constituency, underwent first and second readings on April 8 and May 8 before being referred to the House Committee on Transport and Marine Services for further legislative processes.
Presenting the committee’s report, Chairman Mr Victor Nsa stressed the importance of rural roads in economic development. Representing Calabar South II State Constituency, he noted that such roads facilitate trade, boost agricultural productivity, and improve the overall quality of life in rural communities.
He highlighted challenges hindering rural road development, including poor workmanship, inadequate funding, and lack of maintenance, stating that the bill would address these issues.
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“This bill will curb these problems by establishing an authority responsible for designing, managing, developing, reconstructing, rehabilitating, and maintaining classes C and D roads,” he said. “It also covers related infrastructure such as road furniture, bridges, and drainage systems to ensure efficient operation.”
According to Mr Nsa, the bill which contains six parts and 39 sections will connect farmers to markets and provide access to agricultural inputs, increasing productivity and income.
Other lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, emphasising the need for rural communities, mostly farmers, to have roads linking them to markets, thereby improving their livelihoods.
They praised the proposed authority’s establishment, noting it would focus on developing and maintaining an effective rural road network.
Speaker Mr Elvert Ayambem commended the House Transportation Committee, the bill’s sponsor, and all lawmakers for expediting the legislative process.
He also praised Governor Bassey Otu for his dedication to rural development, saying the bill reflects the governor’s “people first” philosophy, aimed at ensuring the wellbeing of every resident in the state.
