Cross River Recovers ₦1bn From Cocoa Estates

By Babatunji Wusu| The Cross River State Government has recovered nearly ₦1 billion from the Etung Cocoa Estates and reclaimed several public assets that were illegally occupied, as part of a robust asset recovery programme introduced by Governor Bassey Otu’s administration.

During a briefing in Calabar, the Forum of Special Advisers presented a three-year performance report outlining achievements across key sectors, including infrastructure development, healthcare, public administration and asset management. Chairman of the Forum and Special Adviser on General Duties, Barr Ekpenyong Akiba, said the exercise reflected the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“The administration considers transparency and accountability essential components of governance,” Akiba stated. “This briefing is intended to provide citizens with factual information on projects, programmes, and the progress achieved across sectors.”

Presenting the report on asset recovery, Barrister Gilbert Agbor disclosed that extensive verification and recovery exercises uncovered several government properties that had been unlawfully occupied, encroached upon or transferred to private individuals. He added that authorities had also identified government vehicles still in the possession of former political appointees, contractors and private individuals for recovery.

According to Agbor, detailed audits within the Etung Cocoa Estates uncovered abandoned and improperly acquired cocoa plots, leading to the recovery of close to ₦1 billion in revenue. The initiative also helped block leakages, improve transparency and strengthen accountability in managing public assets. He noted that the state had begun digitalising its asset registry and was establishing recovery committees across all 18 local government areas.

The asset recovery programme also recorded significant gains through the recovery of the state’s oil wells and Tinapa assets, which officials described as major milestones. The asset recovery programme remains a central pillar of the administration’s strategy to improve governance, boost revenue generation and safeguard public resources. Supporters of the government said the achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to development, service delivery and sustainable economic growth.