Travellers journeying from Calabar in Cross River State to Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, are facing exorbitant transport costs that have left them dismayed. The escalated fares are believed to stem from the high volume of passenger traffic on this water route, a consequence of the exceedingly poor condition of the Calabar-Uyo federal highway in recent years.
With the Calabar-Uyo federal highway in a dire state, boat services have seen a surge in patronage, particularly from travellers heading to Akwa Ibom, Abia, and nearby states. However, this upsurge has been accompanied by a rise in criminal activities at sea, notably around the Calabar/Marina beach, Oron beach, Creek Town, and Adiabo beaches.
Two passengers making their way to Uyo via the Oron waterway, Priscilla Akpan and Fidelis Umoh, both individuals with modest incomes, have spoken out about the doubled fares. For example, the journey from Calabar to Oron in Akwa Ibom State now costs ₦6,000, up from ₦3,000.
Umoh also highlighted that the fare for a ferry to Creek Town or Adiabo beaches, located just a few communities from Calabar, now ranges between ₦3,000 to ₦4,000, a significant increase from the initial ₦1,000 to ₦2,000 charged to passengers.
Furthermore, he noted, “Cargo ferries charge extra fares for loads. Passengers accessing Okurikang and surrounding areas by water are required to pay higher fares from the Adiabo or Creek Town beaches, as they are compelled to use a motorcycle. The distance between Adiabo or Creek Town beaches to Okurikang is approximately 200 kilometres, and motorcycle owners charge between ₦1000 to ₦1,500.”
Insiders have revealed that the State Government is considering the repair of the long-abandoned Adiabo Bridge, a remnant from the late General Sani Abacha regime, in a bid to alleviate the hardships faced by commuters on the dilapidated Calabar-Itu federal highway.
There are also unconfirmed reports indicating that Governor Bassey Otu has initiated talks with relevant authorities and contractors to rectify the Adiabo Bridge, with the aim of diverting the heavy traffic from the Tinapa/Adiabo axis away from the Calabar-Uyo highway.
Road users have expressed that commuters and passengers endure incalculable losses daily along the highway, with many motorists and passengers spending protracted periods, even days, before reaching their destinations. Moreover, criminal activities are said to be on the rise along the decrepit Odukpani axis of the Calabar-Uyo federal highway, resulting in loss of lives.
