The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Nkiruka Nwala, has expressed her commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to revive the original vision of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort as a viable economic and commercial destination.
Nwala made this known during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar and Grand Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, as part of efforts to strengthen stakeholder engagement and promote economic development in Cross River State.
The Acting Controller emphasised the need to identify new investment and trade opportunities, strengthen existing commercial structures and explore viable options for repositioning the state as a competitive export hub with greater visibility in the international market.
She noted that traditional institutions have important roles to play in promoting lawful commercial activities, discouraging smuggling and encouraging community support for government policies.
According to her, closer collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, investors and the private sector remains essential to unlocking the state’s economic potential, facilitating legitimate trade and creating sustainable business opportunities.
Nwala further reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to trade facilitation, revenue generation and export development through effective stakeholder engagement.
Responding, the Obong of Calabar appreciated the visit and acknowledged the contributions of the Nigeria Customs Service to revenue generation, border security and trade facilitation. He also welcomed efforts to strengthen cooperation between the Service and traditional institutions in addressing issues affecting commerce and community development.
In a related development, Nwala paid a familiarisation visit to Liberty Oil and Gas in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, as part of her engagement with key enterprises within the Command’s area of responsibility.
During the visit, she expressed satisfaction with the scale of the ongoing construction at the facility, describing the project as massive and well-positioned for future growth.
She noted that the investment holds significant potential for the oil and gas sector and the wider economy.
The Acting Controller, who was conducted on a guided tour of the project site, was accompanied by the Controller of the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Comptroller Nyong, who was also visiting the facility.
The engagement, according to the Command, forms part of Nwala’s efforts to strengthen relationships with enterprises, promote legitimate trade and investment, and create an enabling environment for economic development across the Command’s area of responsibility.
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