Cross River to Host Global Investment Summit in London

The Cross River State Government has announced plans to host a global investment summit in London from November 17 to 19, 2025. The event is designed to attract international investors, engage the Nigerian diaspora, and showcase Cross River as a viable destination for sustainable investments within West Africa.

The summit, themed “Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainable Growth with the People’s First Agenda of Senator Bassey Otu,” will feature discussions on strategic sectors including agriculture, tourism, ICT, renewable energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. It aims to create partnerships that align with Governor Otu’s vision of inclusive economic growth and development.

Chairperson of the Central Planning Committee, Ignatius Oli, said the initiative reflects the government’s determination to promote Cross River as a competitive investment hub. According to him, the summit will serve as a platform for connecting investors, policymakers, and diaspora professionals with opportunities across the state.

Oli explained that the event will focus on mobilising both local and foreign capital through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, targeted incentives, and regulatory reforms. “We are positioning Cross River as an investment destination that combines opportunity, stability, and innovation,” he said.

Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission, Otu Okor, described the summit as a major step in deepening engagement with Cross River indigenes abroad. He said the state is intentionally creating platforms for diaspora participation in business, mentorship, and skills development. “Our people in the diaspora have the networks and resources needed to accelerate our state’s transformation,” Okor noted.

The summit will be declared open by Governor Bassey Otu, who will deliver the keynote address. Sessions will include panel discussions on tourism, agriculture, ICT, renewable energy, and infrastructure, alongside a special focus on diaspora-driven investment models and innovation.

According to Oli, the summit will highlight specific opportunities in commercial farming, agro-processing, eco-tourism, light manufacturing, and renewable energy projects such as solar mini-grids and biomass. It will also showcase infrastructure initiatives including industrial parks, urban renewal, and sustainable mining in minerals such as barite and limestone.

He added that the summit is not just an event but a framework for long-term partnerships that can drive inclusive growth. “We are creating pathways for diaspora-led investment through bonds, joint ventures, and collaborative development,” he said.

Oli commended the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Nigeria for its support in mobilising global partners for the initiative. He said the summit underscores the importance of migration, investment, and diaspora participation as critical tools for sustainable growth and the future prosperity of Cross River State.