By Afolabi Osho | MixiTV News Feature | November 8, 2025
Cross River State has taken a historic step toward economic rejuvenation with the official transfer of the iconic Tinapa Business Resort from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) back to the state government. The development, which has stirred optimism across political and business circles, was hailed by Senator Eteng Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, as a defining moment under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu.
“The return of Tinapa is more than an administrative victory — it is a restoration of our collective pride as Cross River people. Governor Otu has proven that leadership is about vision and courage, not rhetoric. This milestone rekindles hope and repositions our state for genuine economic renewal and inclusive growth.
At the handover ceremony held on November 7, Senator Williams commended Governor Otu for what he described as a “decisive and forward-thinking intervention” that reflects both courage and commitment to the people’s welfare.
“The governor has shown true leadership by reclaiming what rightly belongs to the Cross River people. His actions reflect sincerity, courage, and a clear vision for a more prosperous state,” Senator Williams stated.
For the senator, the return of Tinapa is more than a bureaucratic victory — it represents a revival of hope, a symbolic restoration of the state’s economic pride, and a validation of Governor Otu’s “People’s First” development philosophy centered on recovery, renewal, and inclusive growth.
A Symbol of Lost Promise Regaining Momentum
Commissioned in 2007, Tinapa was conceived as Nigeria’s first integrated business and leisure resort — a blend of commerce, hospitality, and entertainment designed to position Cross River as a West African trade hub. However, years of mismanagement, policy inconsistency, and debt encumbrances led to its decline.
For over a decade, the resort stood as a haunting reminder of missed opportunities and abandoned potential. The AMCON takeover, while necessary to manage financial liabilities, effectively stalled local participation in the facility’s revival. Governor Otu’s successful negotiation for its return, therefore, marks a turning point in the state’s economic narrative.
Senator Williams emphasized that this milestone reflects the governor’s strategic governance style and his readiness to tackle complex challenges through collaboration and negotiation rather than confrontation.
“Governor Otu’s initiative rekindles the vision of transforming Cross River into a competitive investment destination. It’s now our collective duty to ensure Tinapa rises again — stronger, smarter, and sustainably managed,” he said.
Unlocking New Frontiers for Tourism and Investment
Analysts view the return of Tinapa as a catalyst for regional economic transformation, capable of triggering renewed investor confidence across multiple sectors — particularly tourism, retail, logistics, and hospitality. With the resort’s unique blend of duty-free trade zones, hotels, film studios, and recreational facilities, the possibilities for public-private partnerships are immense.
Governor Otu’s administration is already pursuing a broader strategy to reposition Cross River as the “Tourism Capital of Nigeria.” The integration of Tinapa with other state assets such as the Calabar Port, the Marina Resort, and the Obudu Mountain Resort could create a connected tourism economy with ripple effects on job creation, SME growth, and infrastructural renewal.
Senator Williams reaffirmed his readiness to work closely with the Otu-led government and the federal authorities to attract both domestic and international investors. He urged stakeholders to rally behind the government’s recovery agenda, stressing that Tinapa’s revival must be anchored on transparent management, community inclusion, and sustainable development principles.
A New Era of Possibility
As Cross River reclaims Tinapa, the message is clear: the state is ready to take charge of its destiny. For Governor Bassey Otu, this success strengthens his reform credentials and signals a new era of confidence in state-led economic revival. For Senator Eteng Williams and other leaders who share his optimism, the journey toward rebuilding Cross River’s economic foundation has just begun — and Tinapa’s rebirth is the spark lighting that path forward.
