Cross River Assures Maritime Investors of Safe Investment Environment
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing a secure and investor-friendly environment for maritime businesses, assuring local and foreign investors that the state’s waterways remain safe for commercial activities.
The governor gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the Calabar Marina Business Hub, where he visited the newly introduced MV-Eja ferry operated by SeaExpress Transit on the Calabar-Cameroon commercial route.
Accompanied by the Commissioner for Transportation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, the Special Adviser on Blue Economy, Ms. Melodie Lebo, and other maritime stakeholders, Otu described the investment as a strong endorsement of Cross River’s growing economic potential.
He noted that the state’s strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea and its expanding blue economy present vast opportunities for maritime trade, transportation, tourism and regional integration.
Commending the promoters of the project for choosing to invest in Cross River despite opportunities elsewhere, the governor pledged the state’s full support to ensure the success of the venture.
“We are proud of this investment coming from the United States to your motherland. You could have invested anywhere else, and for that reason, we owe you the necessary support to ensure this investment succeeds,” Otu said.
The governor reiterated that protecting lives, property and investments remains a top priority of his administration, adding that the government has strengthened the state’s security architecture to curb criminal activities.
“This administration has zero tolerance for crime. We have invested heavily in security across the state, and I assure you that you will never regret investing in Cross River’s maritime sector,” he said.
Otu also encouraged prospective investors to explore the commercial opportunities along the state’s waterways, particularly the Calabar-Cameroon trade corridor, describing the blue economy as a major driver of future economic growth.
Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SeaExpress Transit, Dr. Thompson Eja, expressed appreciation to the governor for his visit and continued commitment to protecting investments in the state.
He said the governor’s assurance on security would strengthen investor confidence and deepen the company’s collaboration with the Cross River State Government in expanding maritime transportation services.
The visit concluded with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Governor Otu by the management of SeaExpress Transit in recognition of his support for the maritime sector and his visit aboard the MV-Eja ferry.
