Akwa Ibom Govt Announces Temporary Closure of Calabar–Itu–Ikot Ekpene Road

The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the temporary closure of the Calabar–Itu–Ikot Ekpene Road, a major highway linking Akwa Ibom State with Cross River State.

The State Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah announced this in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to the statement, the road will be closed to allow the Federal Ministry of Works to carry out construction activities for the dualisation of the highway under authorisation code C/NO 6669.

The government explained that the temporary closure is necessary to ensure the smooth and safe execution of the construction work, informing that to minimise disruption to traffic, an alternative route — the Ekim Itam–Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road — has been assigned for commuters during the period.

Umanah also apologised to motorists and other road users over any inconvenience the closure may cause them, noting that the project is being undertaken in the interest of public safety and long-term economic benefit.

“The government regrets any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause to motorists and other road users and assures the public that the project is being executed for the overall benefit of the people upon completion,” the statement read.

He also appealed for the cooperation of transporters, commuters and the general public throughout the duration of the project.

The Calabar–Itu–Ikot Ekpene Road will be closed from Thursday, January 15, 2026, while the alternative route will be open to commuters from Friday, January 16, 2026, for the duration of the two-week construction window.