When
you think of tourism in Nigeria, the giant of Africa, in size and economy garnering approximately 174 million
inhabitants and the seventh most populous country in the world, one place comes
to fore; Cross Rivers State.
For
those who are not familiar with this state, Cross River is a coastal state in
southeastern Nigeria, bordering Cameroon to the east. Its capital is at
Calabar. The state is named after the Cross River (Oyono), which passes through
the state.
What Makes Cross River State tick!
Cross
River is historically buoyant, economically stable, and hospitable, in terms of
tourism. The state is a perfect of business and pleasure. In the words of Eta
Uso, “Cross River State stands on a very unique spot of what is known today as
South South Nigeria also known as the Niger-Delta. From the soaring plateaus of
the mountain tops of Obudu to the Rain forests of Afi, from the Waterfalls of
Agbokim and Kwa to the spiralling ox-bow Calabar River which provides sights
and images of the Tinapa Business Resort, Calabar Marina, Calabar Residency
Museum and the Calabar Slave Park along its course, there is always a thrilling
adventure awaiting the eco-tourist visiting Cross River State”.
Investors within the eco-tourist State
Many investors have tapped into the buoyant state; among which are;
General
Electrics with over $1 billion in a Multi-Modal Manufacturing and Training
Facility at the Calabar Free Trade Zone, Calabar, Cross River State. United
Cement Company (Unicem) commissioned
its 2.5 million metric tons/annum Cement Manufacturing Plant in 2009 at
Mfamosing, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State and is currently
the leading supplier of cement in South Eastern Nigeria. Honeywell Group
Nigeria Limited has invested its Cement Manufacturing Plant which is estimated
to be $600m. Brentex Petroleum Services Limited is investing in a 300,000 ton
per annum Pipe Mill Manufacturing Plant estimated at a total cost of $150m just
to mention a few.
Tourism Potential in Cross River State
There
are already existing tourist centres in the state, but the need to further
develop and strengthen the existing ones and magnify the non-recognized centre
is apparent as the state stands out in Nigeria in terms of natural tourist’s
site.
Aside
the magnified tourists sites such as Tinapa, a few other tourist centres holds
potential. Ikom Monoliths (a series of volcanic-stone monoliths constructed
sometime between 2500 BC and 1 AD) is one of such. The Mary Slessor Tomb,
Calabar Drill Monkey Sanctuary, Cross River National Park is another. This park
can become a money spitting arena where history is reinforced for younger
generation.
Afi
Mountain walkway canopy is another fine spot that can be transformed into one
of these wonders of the world.
Kwa
falls, Agbokim waterfalls, are centres that can be made alluring for tourists.
Hot Sauce for Investors
Without
mincing words, Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, is the leading
tourism city of Nigeria and dare to say Africa. Visitors from different parts
of Nigeria and overseas, come to the city in quantum yearly. Investors who can
recognize good spots can leverage on businesses that can be hinged around
tourism. Some of which are;
Hospitality
Businesses
Hotel
Eatery,
and Confectioneries
Arts
and Artifacts
Etc
Cross
River is the belle of Nigeria in terms of tourism, it hold great potential of becoming Africa’s number tourist city.
Ryta Moemeke
