Cross River Woos Global Investors at Landmark Diaspora Investment Summit in London

Sunday Ehigiator

The Cross River State Investment Summit London 2025 has bolstered the state’s reputation as an emerging investment hub in West Africa, attracting global financiers, development partners and diaspora professionals to its diverse economic opportunities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day summit, held from Nov. 17 to Nov. 19 in London, showcased the state’s drive for sustainable growth under Governor Bassey Otu’s People’s First Agenda.

Mr. Ignatius Oli, Chairman of the Summit’s Central Planning Committee, said in a statement on Friday that the forum reinforced the state’s commitment to economic development and deepening diaspora engagement.

Organised by the Cross River State Government, the summit was designed to promote the state as a competitive investment destination while strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors. With a theme centred on unlocking opportunities across key industries, the event spotlighted agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, ICT, renewable energy and the creative economy as priority sectors for investors seeking high-value, scalable ventures.

Prince Otu Okor, Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission, welcomed investors and participants, noting that the state offers a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes and incentives. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance.

Senior government officials, including Dr. Inyang Asibong, Dr. Michael Odere, Dr. Bong Duke, Dr. Nero Ughwujabo, Lily Grace (CEO, Diaspora Development Hub), and Hon. Ignatius Oli, delivered presentations detailing policy directions and outlining bankable projects across the state.

Oli emphasised the centrality of diaspora participation in driving economic transformation, stressing that the summit would catalyse new partnerships to advance the state’s development goals.

Dr. Ughwujabo, Head of Strategy at the King Charles III Trust Fund, commended the clarity of Cross River’s development trajectory, noting that the summit provided him with a deeper understanding of the state’s policy priorities and investment potential.

A major highlight of the forum was a presentation by Dr. Asibong, who announced that the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort had been returned to the state and was now open for investment. She emphasised that Tinapa remains key to the state’s economic recovery and industrialisation strategy, offering significant returns for investors.

The summit also featured a special dinner hosted by the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Mohammed Maina Maidugu, with Ambassador Bello Jaye and other dignitaries in attendance. Maidugu commended Governor Otu for initiating the forum and urged the state to maximise opportunities under the UK’s Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnerships (ETIP) and the Developing Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS).

Diaspora engagement sessions brought together Cross River professionals across the UK and Europe to explore collaboration in technology, entrepreneurship, skills development and public-private partnerships. Exclusive networking events, including an investor dinner, provided a platform for direct interaction between investors and state officials.

The summit recorded concrete outcomes, including renewed interest in tourism development, infrastructure expansion, renewable energy ventures and ICT partnerships. Several investors also indicated interest in acquiring and revitalising state assets such as the pharmaceutical company, air and seaports, and railway infrastructure.

Further discussions were held on youth exchange programmes, digitisation initiatives and education collaborations.

According to the organisers, Cross River State is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in early December 2025, pending confirmation from Governor Otu. The proposed MoU will support diaspora mapping, capacity building for border agencies, cross-border cooperation, and expanded partnerships with international development institutions.

In addition, notable investors placed orders for tons of frozen chicken from Calachika, reflecting confidence in the state’s agro-processing capabilities. Talks are underway for bilateral agreements to sustain the supply chain, with follow-up investor visits scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

The Cross River State Investment Summit London 2025 marks a significant leap in the state’s economic diplomacy, setting the stage for inclusive development and sustainable partnerships. With a clear policy direction and enhanced diaspora engagement, Cross River is positioning itself as a leading investment destination in the West African sub-region.