The Cross River State Executive Council has secured ownership of defunct Rubber Estates and approved an out-of-court settlement with Enghaut Industries Limited to boost the economy.
The decision, reached during the Executive Council meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025, was officially ratified under Suit No. HC/162/2025—Enghaut Industries Limited vs. the Attorney General of Cross River State and another.
According to a statement released by the Governor’s Spokesman, Gill Nsa, the agreement clears the legal path for the state to repossess over 22,000 hectares of prime agricultural land spread across Akamkpa, Biase, and Yakurr Local Government Areas. These rubber estates were originally part of the now-defunct Cross River Estates Limited (CREL).
The settlement highlights Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to reclaiming and revitalising public assets that had been underutilised or mismanaged. The Certificate of Occupancy granted to Enghaut Industries was revoked on June 14, 2024, following the company’s failure to maintain the rubber plantations, which had once positioned Cross River as a leader in Nigeria’s rubber production sector.
The state cited neglect, degradation, and economic loss as the basis for the revocation, leading to legal disputes that have now been amicably resolved.
Governor Otu, speaking at the Exco meeting, hailed the settlement as a critical step toward economic transformation. He noted that the government is now positioned to engage credible investors to develop the estates, create jobs, and build a robust rubber value chain that benefits Cross Riverians. The governor emphasised that the deal is more than a legal win—it’s a strategic economic recovery effort.
The meeting marked Governor Otu’s first official Executive Council session after returning from a three-week vacation. He praised his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for providing strong leadership during his absence and commended members of the Executive Council for ensuring stability and continued progress across the state.
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In line with the administration’s infrastructure renewal agenda, Governor Otu also announced the prioritisation of three major roads for immediate rehabilitation: the Boki East-West Road, the Okpoma–Mfum Junction Road, and the John Okpa Road in Obubra. The governor paid tribute to the late John Okpa, describing the former Deputy Governor as a “pillar of democracy” whose memory deserves lasting recognition through impactful infrastructure projects.
Recognizing the strategic importance of Ikom as a key border town, Governor Otu revealed plans to upgrade the town’s infrastructure by developing an international market and a modern motor park. He highlighted Ikom’s growing role as a commercial hub for agricultural products, auto parts, and cross-border trade with Cameroon, stressing the need for targeted investment to match its economic potential.
Present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh; Head of Service, Dr. Innocent Eteng; Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar; and other top members of the State Executive Council.
