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Tourism

Cross River State Government Approves N18 Billion Investment in Sustainable Tourism Development

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Cross River State Government has approved the release of N18 billion (approximately $45 million) for the comprehensive overhaul of tourism facilities in the state, marking a significant step towards revitalizing the tourism sector. The announcement was made during the 7th meeting of the Cross River State Executive Council for 2025, presided over by Governor Bassey Otu. The investment will cover the renovation of various facilities, including the Marina Resort, Obudu Mountain Resort, Kwa Falls, and the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort. Additionally, funds will be allocated for the construction of Pier Harbour, the introduction of Experience Calabar Tours, and the revamping of Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cross River State Government has approved the release of N18 billion for the overhaul of tourism facilities in the state.
  • The investment will cover the renovation of key facilities, including the Marina Resort, Obudu Mountain Resort, Kwa Falls, and the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort.
  • A Technical Committee headed by Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo has been established to revive the NorthFest Cultural Festival and bring it up to standard in the state's tourism calendar.
  • The governor's administration has successfully repossessed the Tinapa Resort from Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) after completing the necessary payments.
  • The Cross River State Tourism Bureau has empowered 40 hotels and 16 restaurants with financial support, and secured over N6.8 billion in private investments.
  • Tourist arrivals have surged from 62,000 in 2023 to over 300,000 in 2025, with the state government's efforts to revive the tourism sector contributing to this growth.
  • The state government is planning to establish a Heritage Market for Arts and Crafts, which will provide a platform for local artisans to showcase traditional crafts and boost the local economy.
  • The 20th Anniversary of the Christmas Festival and Carnival Calabar is expected to take place in December, with the state government preparing for the event by investing in Axari Towers.

Statistics:

  • N18 billion has been approved for the overhaul of tourism facilities in Cross River State.
  • The state government has secured over N6.8 billion in private investments for the tourism sector.
  • Tourist arrivals have surged from 62,000 in 2023 to over 300,000 in 2025.
  • The Cross River State Tourism Bureau has empowered 40 hotels and 16 restaurants with financial support.
  • The state government is investing in Axari Towers to guarantee the hosting of major events and increase bed capacity in the state.
  • The N18 billion investment will cover the construction of Pier Harbour, the introduction of Experience Calabar Tours, and the revamping of Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa.

Sources:

  • Guardian Newspaper
  • Sentry Times
  • Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State
  • Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Head of the Technical Committee for the NorthFest Cultural Festival
  • Thomas Ikpeme, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism Development
  • Nathaniel Otaba, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Communication
  • Denis Inakefe, Media Practitioner

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