Cross River State has secured Federal Government endorsement for two major transportation projects, including a Uyo-Calabar railway line terminating at the Deep Sea Port and an expanded marine transport scheme for the state.

The approvals came at the 19th National Council on Transportation, NCT, held from August 31 to September 3, 2026 at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja. The council, organised by the Federal Ministry of Transportation with Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima as Special Guest, focused on “Developing Effective Transport System for Nigeria: The Role of Integrated Transportation.”

Leading the Cross River delegation was the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Kingsley Egumi, with Permanent Secretary Pastor Mrs. Eme Affiah and Director of Planning, Mrs. Charity Ayara.

The council unanimously endorsed Cross River’s first memorandum seeking FG support for a railway corridor linking Uyo in Akwa Ibom to Calabar, with a terminal at the Cross River Deep Sea Port.

In a major boost, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation pledged to develop a master plan and technical drawings for the corridor, laying the technical groundwork for actualisation.

Commissioner Egumi said the rail line will provide seamless movement of passengers and cargo between Uyo and Calabar, create direct access to the Deep Sea Port, reduce logistics costs and position Cross River as a strategic trade gateway in the South-South and Gulf of Guinea.

“The proposed railway is expected to strengthen regional trade and improve mobility while connecting directly to the port infrastructure,” Egumi said.

The council also approved Cross River’s second proposal for the expansion of the state’s marine transport scheme as an alternative to road travel.

It resolved to forward the request to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for collaboration with the state Ministry of Transportation.

The expansion is expected to provide safer, more efficient and affordable water transportation and ease pressure on the state’s road network.

Speaking after the sessions, Egumi described the resolutions as “significant milestones” in Governor Bassey Otu’s drive to build a multimodal transportation system that supports the Deep Sea Port.

“The outcomes of the 19th NCT have reinforced the state government’s resolve to pursue policies and projects that will transform the transportation sector and position Cross River as a leader in integrated transport development,” he said.

He added that the endorsements show Cross River’s transportation priorities are aligning with the Federal Government’s vision for integrated infrastructure.

With the railway and marine proposals now backed by the council, the state says it has taken a major step toward becoming a transportation hub in the South-South region