By Victor Okoye
Cross River Government has announced that its 2025 Investment Summit in London has reinforced the state’s reputation as an emerging investment destination in West Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day event, which held in London from Nov. 17 to Nov. 19, showcased the state’s commitment to sustainable growth under Gov. Bassey Otu’s People’s First Agenda.
Mr Ignatius Oli, Chairman of the Summit’s Central Planning Committee, said in a statement on Thursday that the forum highlighted the state’s dedication to economic development and diaspora engagement.
Organised by the state government, the summit aimed to position Cross River as a competitive investment hub and strengthen collaboration between public and private sectors.
With the theme ‘Unlocking Opportunities Across Strategic Industries’, the summit spotlighted agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, ICT, renewable energy, and the creative economy as prime sectors.
Senior officials, including Dr Inyang Asibong, Dr Michael Odere, Dr Bong Duke, Dr Nero Ughwujabo, Lily Grace, CEO-Diaspora Development Hub, and Mr Ignatius Oli, presented policy directions and bankable projects to investors.
Oli stated that diaspora participation was critical for economic growth, describing the summit as a catalyst for new partnerships capable of transforming development outcomes in the state.
Ughwujabo, Head of Strategy at the King Charles III Trust Fund, praised the summit for providing clarity on Cross River’s development trajectory and government transparency.
A highlight was Asibong’s announcement that the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort had returned to the state and was now open to investors.
She noted that Tinapa offered major returns on investment and would support the administration’s broader economic recovery and industrialisation strategy.
The summit featured a dinner hosted by Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Mohammed Maidugu, alongside Amb. Bello Jaye and other dignitaries.
The statement quoted Maidugu as commending Gov. Otu and encouraging the state to leverage the UK’s Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnerships (ETIP) and Developing Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS) to boost bilateral trade and investment.
“Diaspora engagement sessions brought together professionals from across the UK and Europe to explore opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, skills development, and public-private partnerships.
“Investors showed renewed interest in tourism, infrastructure, renewable energy, ICT, and agro-processing, with plans to acquire state assets and orders for frozen chicken from Calachika”.
The statement also quoted the Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission, Mr Otu Okor, as welcoming all investors and participants to the summit.
He said Cross River state offers a business-friendly environment, with streamlined processes and incentives to support investment.
He added, “Our government is committed to transparency, accountability, and good governance”.
NAN reports that the state plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Organisation for Migration in early December 2025, pending the governor’s approval.
The MoU is aimed at strengthening diaspora mapping and cross-border cooperation. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
