During his address, Hon Ntui stated that recent data confirms Cross River State as the leading cocoa producer in Nigeria, effectively countering the long-standing belief that it ranks second.
By Kingsley Agim
Hon Kingsley Ntui Isong, the Member representing Etung State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, has travelled to London as part of a high-powered Nigerian delegation. The mission is centred on strategic economic engagements designed to attract investment, boost cross-border trade, and accelerate agricultural development in Cross River State, with a keen focus on the Etung Local Government Area.
These London meetings are specifically aimed at leveraging the economic potential of the Trans-African Trade Corridor, particularly the Ajassor border, which connects Nigeria and Cameroon. The goal is to unlock significant cross-border commerce, stimulate local economic activity, and further transform Etung’s dominant cocoa economy.
During his address, Hon Ntui stated that recent data confirms Cross River State as the leading cocoa producer in Nigeria, effectively countering the long-standing belief that it ranks second. He highlighted Etung LGA as the state’s single largest producer, underscoring its importance as a strategic agricultural and commercial asset.
The lawmaker offered strong assurances to potential investors regarding the state’s favourable investment climate, describing Cross River as an exceptionally safe business destination. While acknowledging national security concerns, he noted that the state has remained largely peaceful, citing the incident-free 2025 Carnival Calabar as proof of its stability.
Furthermore, Hon Ntui praised Governor Bassey Otu’s proactive leadership and deliberate strategy to consolidate peace and achieve sustainable development. He credited the governor’s interventions with strengthening security and fostering an environment conducive to economic growth. He also highlighted the administration’s successes in monetary expansion, infrastructure, agricultural reform, and empowerment programmes.
Looking ahead, Hon Ntui stressed the importance of the proposed Etung International Border Market, planned for the Ajassor Mission axis. He believes that this project, coupled with Etung’s extensive cocoa production capacity, will fully exploit the advantages of the Trans-African Highway Corridor, ultimately positioning the area as a major economic and commercial hub for Cross River State.