Cross River State announces Tinapa reclamation and $3.5bn seaport deal

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has announced several major economic initiatives, including the reclamation of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort from the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON). The resort is slated to be repositioned as a Free Zone for trade, tourism, and creative enterprise. Additionally, the administration has secured a $3.5 billion Afreximbank facility for the development of the Bakassi Deep Seaport.

Agricultural expansion is also a priority, with a partnership with JR Farms to plant 30 million coffee seedlings and the implementation of the N30 billion Project Grow credit guarantee scheme. Infrastructure updates include the Obudu cargo airport, which is reportedly over 90 per cent complete, and the expansion of the state-owned carrier, Cally Air.

In a separate political development, former Governor Clement Ebri addressed the Elders Advisory Council in Calabar. Ebri urged political leaders and elders to support effective governance and distinguish between constructive criticism and efforts intended to undermine the state's interests as the 2027 election cycle approaches.