Calabar–Itu Highway Gets New Contractor as FG Sets Strict 60-Day Delivery Target

The Federal Government has terminated the contract of Raycon International for a key section of the Calabar–Itu Highway and reassigned the project to Hitech Construction Company with a firm directive to complete all outstanding work within 60 days.

The decision followed months of stalled progress on the Ekim to Odukpani segment, a section considered vital for connecting communities across Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. Officials in the Ministry of Works said the performance of the previous contractor had fallen short of expectations despite repeated warnings and opportunities to improve delivery.

A senior ministry official, who reviewed the project last week, described the situation as unacceptable given the strategic importance of the highway. According to the official, the slow pace of work had created persistent traffic congestion, extended travel times and worsened road safety concerns for thousands of daily commuters.

With the reassignment, Hitech is now expected to mobilise immediately. The company will focus on road stabilisation, drainage completion, asphalt laying and other critical engineering works required to make the corridor fully motorable. The government has also directed periodic monitoring to ensure the new deadline is met.

Communities along the route, particularly traders and transport operators, have welcomed the decision. Many have expressed optimism that a credible contractor with better capacity will finally deliver a long overdue improvement. The Calabar–Itu axis is a major economic lifeline for the South South region, supporting inter state trade, agriculture, logistics and access to the Calabar Port.

The new 60 day target signals a stronger push by the Federal Government to address longstanding delays in national road projects. Officials say the revised approach prioritises accountability and ensures that contractors who fail to deliver can be promptly replaced to protect public investment.

As work resumes under a new contractor, residents and businesses will be watching closely to see if the accelerated timeline leads to tangible improvements before the end of the first quarter of 2026.