The Cross River State Executive Council has approved the terms of an out-of-court settlement that allows the state government to regain ownership of its defunct rubber estates previously managed by Enghaut Industries Limited.
The resolution was adopted at the Executive Council meeting held on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The council formally ratified the terms of settlement in Suit No. HC/162/2025—Enghaut Industries Limited vs. the Attorney General of Cross River State and another—paving the way for the government to re-acquire rubber plantation assets spanning approximately 22,000 hectares across Akamkpa, Biase, and Yakurr Local Government Areas.
These estates were originally part of the now-defunct Cross River Estates Limited (CREL), but their Certificate of Occupancy was revoked by the state government on June 14, 2024. The decision was based on Enghaut Industries’ failure to effectively manage the estates, which reportedly led to environmental degradation and a steep decline in production capacity, ultimately eroding the region’s status as a rubber production hub.
Governor Bassey Otu, who chaired the meeting, expressed satisfaction with the amicable resolution and said it would reopen opportunities for fresh investment and economic growth. “With this settlement, we can now explore partnerships with serious investors to unlock the full potential of the rubber estates, create jobs, and develop a thriving value chain that will benefit the people of Cross River State,” he said.
The meeting marked Governor Otu’s first official Executive Council session following a three-week vacation. He praised his deputy, Peter Odey, for effectively managing state affairs in his absence and extended appreciation to members of the Council for their collective support and stability during the period.
In addition to the settlement approval, Governor Otu announced the immediate rehabilitation of three critical roads under the state’s infrastructure renewal programme. The selected roads include the Boki East–West Road, the Okpoma–Mfum Junction Road, and the John Okpa Road in Obubra. He described the late John Okpa, a former deputy governor, as a “pillar of democracy” and said the road rehabilitation project will serve as a tribute to his enduring legacy.
Governor Otu also unveiled plans to strengthen Ikom’s position as a commercial hub, particularly in cross-border trade. He disclosed that the state government will establish an international market and a modern motor park in Ikom to support its growing population and economic activities. “The cross-border trade between Nigeria and Cameroon, along with Ikom’s role as a hub for agricultural produce, auto parts, and residential growth, makes it a critical point of focus. We are determined to provide the necessary support to match its potential,” the governor stated.
