Less than 48 hours after the Federal Government flagged-off the dredging of Calabar port channel, the Governor of Cross Rivers state, Liyel Imoke has stressed the need for federal structures in the state like the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) as well as the Calabar sea port to be made functional.
Less than 48 hours after the Federal Government flagged-off the dredging of Calabar port channel, the Governor of Cross Rivers state, Liyel Imoke has stressed the need for federal structures in the state like the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) as well as the Calabar sea port to be made functional.
“With revitalisation of Tinapa Business Resort following its acquisition by Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), Calabar needs a standard airport, a functional Free Trade Zone and free flow of ships within the Calabar channel to harness the huge potentials in the tourism sub-sector to grow the economy of the State.”
Imoke had at the flag-off on Friday, raised alarm about the futility of dredging the port without good access road.
He had also expressed optimism that the dredging of the channel would increase the revenue profile of the state.
But, on Sunday, when he received the National President, Air-Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), Mr. Okewu Benjamin and other executive members of the association in Calabar, lamented that there has been endless pledges and award of contracts to dredge the Calabar channel to enable bigger ships to berth, but the promises have yet to be actualised.
He reiterated the state government’s readiness to partner the association and any other reputable organisation within and outside country, saying: “If Cross River, especially Calabar, presents an opportunity for you, please don’t hesitate to take it.”
He promised to sustain the already existing cordial relationship between the state and allied associations for mutual benefits.
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