CALABAR — The Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) has identified the redevelopment of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort and the concessioning of the Calabar Seaport among key investment priorities it hopes to advance through partnerships with diaspora investors and international stakeholders NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
Chairman of the commission, Otu Okor, disclosed this during the presentation marking the first anniversary of CRIDCOM in Calabar.
Okor said the commission was working to strengthen ties between Cross River indigenes in the diaspora and the state government with the aim of attracting investments, technical expertise, and international collaborations capable of driving socio-economic growth.
According to him, active investment proposals currently being pursued by the commission span critical sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, logistics, renewable energy, and waste-to-energy solutions.
He identified the redevelopment of Tinapa Resort and the concessioning of the Calabar Seaport as strategic infrastructure projects with strong economic potential for the state.
The CRIDCOM chairman explained that the commission had, within one year of operation, undertaken a series of local and international engagements designed to position Cross River State as an investment destination for diaspora professionals and global investors.
Among the major initiatives highlighted was the Cross River State Investment Summit held in London, United Kingdom, which he said attracted international investors interested in exploring opportunities within Cross River and Nigeria.
Okor also noted that the commission facilitated the Nigeria Homecoming Convention, which brought together participants from over 18 countries for cultural exchanges, heritage reconnection, business engagements, and investment discussions.
He said the commission’s activities align with the “People First” agenda of Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration, particularly in the areas of economic transformation, investment attraction, and cultural diplomacy.
According to the presentation, CRIDCOM also hosted the fourth State Diaspora Focal Point Officers Summit, the first edition to be held outside Abuja, with participation from representatives of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The chairman further revealed plans for the development of a Cross River State Diaspora Estate aimed at creating a residential environment for returning diasporans through the provision of healthcare facilities, educational institutions, commercial centres, and other essential amenities.
He stated that the commission would continue to leverage diaspora expertise and global partnerships to support development initiatives across the state.
CRIDCOM was established on May 13, 2025, by the Cross River State Government to coordinate diaspora engagement and strengthen relationships between Cross River indigenes abroad and the state.
