Flooding, Bad Road Cripple Commercial Activities In Akwa Ibom Markets

Residents and traders in Ekit Itam 2 and Mbak Itam 3 communities in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have lamented the collapse of the road linking the commercial hubs, blaming persistent flooding and heavy-duty trucks for the worsening condition.
The communities, which host major trading centres for palm oil, timber, livestock, jewellery and other commodities, were once bustling commercial outposts dominated largely by Hausa/Fulani traders. However, residents said the area has witnessed a sharp decline in economic activities due to the deplorable state of its only access road.
According to Chima Nkemdirim, a palm oil merchant, the busy corridor, which serves as a major ro...