The Cross River State Government has approved the release of ₦18 billion for the comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade of major tourism assets, in a bold move to reposition the state as Nigeria’s leading tourism hub and a top destination in West Africa.
This was announced on Thursday by Thomas Ikpeme, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Tourism Development, in a statement cited by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to Ikpeme, the new funding forms a core part of Governor Otu’s “Season of Sweetness” initiative — an ambitious strategy aimed at revitalizing the state’s tourism infrastructure, promoting cultural heritage, and stimulating broad-based economic growth.
“Governor Bassey Otu has approved the release of ₦18 billion to boost tourism infrastructure and reposition Cross River as a leading destination in Nigeria and West Africa,” Ikpeme stated.
Key projects to receive major facelift
The massive investment will focus on restoring and upgrading iconic sites such as the Obudu Mountain Resort, Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Marina Resort, and Kwa Falls.
Additionally, the government plans to remodel the Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa, and construct a new pier harbor to bolster waterfront tourism and create more immersive visitor experiences.
Part of the ₦18 billion allocation will also go toward developing Axari Towers, a major hospitality project designed to expand lodging capacity in anticipation of a surge in tourist arrivals, particularly for the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Calabar Carnival in December 2025.
Ikpeme explained that Axari Towers will help Cross River cater to large-scale events and address growing demand for premium accommodation, boosting both leisure and business tourism in the state.
Broader tourism push: “Experience Calabar” and community impact
Beyond physical infrastructure, the government is also set to launch the “Experience Calabar” campaign — an initiative to market the state’s unique attractions to local and international visitors.
The administration also plans to establish a Heritage Market dedicated to showcasing indigenous crafts, arts, and cultural heritage, further deepening community participation in the tourism value chain.
Transportation remains a crucial part of the strategy. The state recently acquired two CRJ 1000 aircraft to grow the fleet of Cally Air, its state-owned airline, which operates in partnership with Aero Contractors and ValueJet. The move is expected to improve air connectivity to Calabar and facilitate easy access for tourists.
Meanwhile, significant upgrades are ongoing at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC) and the Calabar Cultural Centre to attract global conferences and high-profile events.
Investing in people and the future
Governor Otu emphasized that the initiative represents more than just a facelift of physical sites — it’s a long-term investment in Cross River’s cultural identity and economic sustainability.
“This is a holistic transformation that prioritizes not only infrastructure but also the empowerment of our people and communities,” Otu noted.
By revitalizing tourism assets and improving accessibility, the government expects to create jobs, encourage private-sector investment, and foster inclusive growth. The ultimate goal, officials say, is to make Cross River a model for tourism-driven economic development in Africa.
