By Kingsley Agim
The Member representing Etung State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Kingsley Ntui Isong, has arrived in London, United Kingdom, as part of a high-level Nigerian delegation to advance strategic economic engagements aimed at boosting investment, cross-border trade and agricultural development in Cross River State, with particular emphasis on Etung Local Government Area.
The London engagements are focused on exploring opportunities to leverage the Trans-African Trade Corridor, especially the Ajassor border axis linking Nigeria and Cameroon, to unlock cross-border commerce, stimulate local economic activities and accelerate the transformation of Etung’s thriving cocoa economy.
Addressing members of the high-powered delegation, Hon. Ntui disclosed that recent data now places Cross River State as Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing state, dispelling the long-held perception that it ranks second nationally. He further affirmed that Etung Local Government Area remains the highest cocoa-producing LGA in the state, positioning it as a strategic agricultural and commercial hub.
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The lawmaker assured prospective investors of the state’s favourable investment climate, describing Cross River State as a safe and secure destination for business. While acknowledging general security challenges in parts of the country, he noted that Cross River has remained largely insulated, maintaining its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.
He cited the 2025 Carnival Calabar as clear evidence of the state’s security stability, describing it as the largest, most aesthetically impressive and widely celebrated edition since inception, with no recorded security incident.
Hon. Ntui commended Governor Bassey Otu for his proactive leadership and deliberate efforts to consolidate peace and promote sustainable development across the state. According to him, the Governor’s interventions have continued to strengthen security while creating an enabling environment for economic growth and investment.
He highlighted the administration’s achievements in economic expansion, road infrastructure development, agricultural revitalisation, poverty reduction, and youth and women empowerment, describing the government as focused, responsive and development-driven.
Speaking further, Hon. Ntui emphasized the viability of the proposed Etung International Border Market, to be located along the Ajassor Mission axis, noting that the initiative would fully harness the advantages of the Trans-African Highway Corridor. Combined with Etung’s large-scale cocoa production capacity, he said the project would position the area as a major economic and commercial hub in Cross River State and beyond.
