Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered that negotiations between the two had broken down, owing to the refusal of the Cross River State government to include the water park and the film studio being operated by Ebony Television as part of the agreement.
AMCON had, in October last year, indicated interest to buy off Tinapa at the sum of N26 billion but negotiations have stalled and now the asset company plans to withdraw as it feels those negotiating on the side of government were not putting all the cards on the table.
Meanwhile, operators of businesses at Tinapa have given the state government 60 days ultimatum to address the issue of N150,000 customs charges on all Tinapa-bound consignments or they will relocate.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller of Customs in charge of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, Mr Akande Bamidele, during a courtesy call on the Security Adviser to the Governor, Mr Rekpene Bassey, at the weekend in Calabar.
Mr Bamidele, who did not give reasons for such charges as Tinapa is officially designated a free trade zone, also told his host that bad roads and the non-dredging of Calabar seaport were major constraints to making Tinapa work.
Rekpene Bassey on his part admitted having knowledge of the 60 days ultimatum given by business owners at the resort, but said government was not resting on its oars and will do everything to address their concerns.
“Tinapa is a dream to us and that is why we have been investing so much to keep the place going. We are doing everything to address the complaints of the traders and I can assure you that before the 60 days elapse, everything would be addressed.”
Source: Tribune
No comments:
Post a Comment