The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says reviving the original vision of Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort will boost investment and export opportunities for Cross River.
Acting Customs Area Controller for Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area, DC Nkeiruka Nwala, made this statement during a visit to the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, on Wednesday.
Nwala stated that the NCS command seeks to collaborate with stakeholders to identify new investment and trade opportunities within the project.
“We need to strengthen existing commercial structures and explore viable options to revive the Tinapa initiative,” she said.
She added that this effort would unlock the state’s economic potential and create opportunities for businesses and investors.
“Stakeholders should work together to explore opportunities for reviving the project, as it remains a viable economic and commercial destination,” she said. The Acting Controller said that Cross River’s geographical advantage, natural resources, and commercial potential could be better harnessed through deliberate efforts to formalise trade, expand exports, and attract investment.
She stated that making the state a competitive export hub requires stronger collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, investors, and the private sector.
Nwala encouraged traditional institutions to support efforts to promote lawful commercial activities and discourage smuggling.
“Traditional institutions play a key role in encouraging community compliance with government policies and protecting local businesses.
“They can also help promote voluntary compliance and foster an environment where legitimate trade can thrive,” she said.
Nwala called for closer collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, investors, and the private sector to unlock CrossRiver’ss economic potential.
She reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, improving revenue generation, and supporting export development through effective stakeholder engagement.
Responding, the Obong of Calabar thanked Nwala for the visit and reiterated the roles of the customs in revenue generation, border security, and trade facilitation.
He commended the customs official for emphasising cooperation between the service and traditional institutions, especially in addressing challenges in commerce and community development.
“This visit reaffirms the command’s commitment to sustaining constructive relationships with traditional institutions and other stakeholders in promoting legitimate trade, export activities, and tackling smuggling,” he said.
