APC chieftain Cletus Obun has said Cross River State is positioning itself as a major destination for maritime investment and regional trade, following the state government’s efforts to improve safety along its waterways.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Monday, Obun said the recent declaration by Governor Bassey Otu that the state’s waterways are safe for business demonstrates Cross River’s readiness to attract local and international investors.
“This latest development in Cross River State within our maritime boundaries, again, reaffirms Cross River State’s readiness for business and for economic boom in the days to come,” he said.
Obun said the state government had prioritised maritime security to support economic activities along the Calabar-Limbe corridor and strengthen Cross River’s role in the blue economy.
“I think the governor has gone beyond himself to ensure that Cross River State becomes an economic hub of sorts, especially using maritime corridors with international boundaries and international maritime safety at all times.”
According to him, the sea route between Calabar and Limbe in Cameroon has the potential to become one of the busiest maritime corridors in the region, with opportunities for trade and commercial activities extending to Equatorial Guinea.
“Between Calabar and Limbe in Cameroon, you are going to have one of the busiest routes that you can ever have by sea.”
Obun added that improvements in maritime security would benefit passengers, fishermen, fishing trawlers and businesses operating within the state’s coastal waters.
“The safety of passengers and the safety of goods and fishing trawlers and fishermen is already being guaranteed because the governor has gone digital on this.”
He also pointed to ongoing investment interest in the state, citing the arrival of a US-based indigenous company to launch an international ferry service linking Nigeria and Cameroon.
“Already, only yesterday, the government was welcoming Sea Express, an indigenous firm based in the U.S., which has come home to invest in Nigeria.”
Obun expressed confidence that improved security, modern transport infrastructure and strategic maritime connectivity would drive economic growth and encourage more investors to establish businesses in Cross River State.
“I think the governor is good to go and Cross River State is ready to receive as many investors as possible.”
Ojo Triumph
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