Aka Road deterioration sparks public outcry in Uyo

Years of poor maintenance and official neglect have left Aka Nung Udoe Road in a state of visible and troubling decay, raising concerns among residents and road users, writes ETIM EKPIMAH:

When former Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio, constructed Aka Nung Udoe Road, few could have imagined that the once-celebrated infrastructure would deteriorate to such an extent. Commissioned in 2012 by former President Goodluck Jonathan, the road was designed to serve as a strategic artery, linking key parts of Uyo and easing transportation within the state capital and its environs.

At inception, the project symbolised a broader vision of urban expansion and economic growth. It improved connectivity, reduced travel time and opened up surrounding communities to increased commercial activity. For many residents, it stood as evidence that deliberate investment in infrastructure could transform livelihoods and stimulate development.

Today, however, Aka Road tells a different story—one that raises critical questions about maintenance culture, governance priorities and the sustainability of public infrastructure in Nigeria.

Stretching from Uyo to Nung Udoe, the road intersects major routes such as IBB Avenue, Nsikak Eduok Road, Udo Udoma Avenue and the busy four-lane Stadium Road. Given its importance as a transport corridor, many residents expected that successive administrations would prioritise its upkeep. Instead, years of neglect have left large portions of the road in a deteriorating state.

A recent visit by our correspondent revealed troubling conditions, particularly at Aka Junction near Udo Udoma Avenue. What should be a smooth, motorable stretch has been overtaken by stagnant, murky water, creating a scene more reminiscent of a shallow river than an urban roadway. The waterlogged section has formed a thick mire, making movement difficult for both motorists and pedestrians.

Commercial drivers now navigate the stretch with extreme caution, often slowing to a crawl to avoid damaging their vehicles. Pedestrians, on the other hand, are forced to wade through muddy patches, especially during peak hours. The situation has disrupted the smooth flow of traffic and increased travel time for daily commuters.

What is more concerning is that this situation persists during the dry season, a period typically characterised by intense heat. If conditions are this poor under such weather, residents fear the road could become virtually impassable during the rainy season, when flooding is known to worsen across the area.

Beyond the flooding, potholes have emerged along several sections of the road, further compounding the problem. Some of the potholes are deep enough to cause significant damage to vehicle tyres and suspension systems, leading to increased maintenance costs for motorists. At the Ibom Hall axis by IBB Avenue, the lay-by feeding into Aka Road is visibly eroding, raising safety concerns for road users and signalling deeper structural issues that may require urgent intervention.

Residents who spoke with our correspondent expressed frustration, noting that while infrastructure development often attracts public praise, maintenance is frequently overlooked. Miracle Emmanuel, a resident, pointed out that roads are subject to wear and tear and should be managed with long-term sustainability in mind.

He argued that governments must adopt a more strategic approach by factoring in depreciation and setting aside funds for maintenance from the outset. According to him, it is not enough to borrow heavily for construction projects without creating a clear financial plan for their upkeep.

“Nigeria can raise billions to build roads, but maintaining them becomes a challenge once they begin to deteriorate. There should be a system where funds are reserved over time so that when repairs are needed, authorities are not scrambling for resources,” he said.

Another pressing issue along Aka Road is poor waste management. In several locations, refuse containers are improperly placed on the roadway, obstructing traffic and creating environmental hazards. Near the Champion Brewery turning, for instance, a waste bin sits directly on the road, with rubbish often spilling onto the surrounding area.

The situation is worsened by indiscriminate dumping by some residents, who leave waste outside designated containers. The resulting stench makes the environment unpleasant and poses health risks, particularly to children. Motorists are also affected, as they are forced to navigate through polluted sections while inhaling foul odours.

Business owners operating along the corridor say the poor sanitation is beginning to affect patronage. Customers are less inclined to stop in areas where refuse is visible and the environment is unhygienic, thereby impacting small-scale economic activities that depend on roadside visibility and accessibility.

Further along the stretch from Nung Oku to Nung Udoe, overgrown weeds have taken over the road shoulders, reducing visibility and creating potential danger. The unchecked vegetation narrows the effective width of the road and serves as a hiding place for reptiles and other hazards.

Residents recount incidents of encounters with snakes, including one involving a woman who almost stepped on a cobra concealed within the thick vegetation. Such incidents have heightened anxiety among road users, particularly those who travel early in the morning or late in the evening.

Altogether, the state of Aka Road highlights broader systemic issues. Infrastructure development without a clear maintenance framework ultimately leads to decay, undermining both public investment and citizens’ quality of life. It also raises questions about accountability and whether sufficient monitoring mechanisms are in place to ensure that public assets are properly managed.

Governance, as many residents insist, goes beyond the commissioning of projects or short-term political gains. It requires consistent attention to public assets, effective waste management systems and a commitment to long-term planning. Without these, even the most ambitious projects risk becoming enduring symbols of neglect rather than progress.

Another area of concern along Aka Road is the state of the solar-powered street lighting. Several of the bulbs have remained faulty for months without any effort at replacement or repair, leaving long stretches of the road poorly lit at night. This has significantly reduced visibility for motorists, pedestrians and other road users, increasing the risk of accidents and heightening security concerns.

For residents, the absence of functional lighting is more than an inconvenience; it is a safety issue. Poorly lit roads can become hotspots for criminal activity, while also making it difficult for drivers to detect hazards such as potholes or debris.

Adequate street lighting is essential for a major road of this nature, particularly one that serves as a key link between busy parts of Uyo and surrounding communities. Residents have therefore called on the relevant authorities to urgently address the issue by restoring the faulty solar lights and instituting a regular maintenance schedule.

As the debate continues, Aka Road stands as a stark reminder that infrastructure development must be matched with sustained maintenance. Without this balance, the promise of progress quickly fades, leaving behind a legacy of neglect and missed opportunities.