CROSS RIVER TARGETS TOURISM GROWTH AS CARNIVAL CALABAR MARKS 20 YEARS 

As the famous Carnival Calabar and Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary, the Cross River State Government is using the milestone to reposition the state as West Africa’s top tourism destination. Governor Bassey Otu made this clear during the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Millennium Park, where he appeared with four former governors — a rare show of unity signalling a renewed commitment to tourism revival. 

Otu highlighted that tourism remains a major pillar of his administration’s economic agenda, promising to channel investments into human capital development, rural transformation and global marketing of Cross River’s cultural assets. 

Carnival Calabar: From Local Event to Global Attraction 

Once a modest cultural showcase, Carnival Calabar has grown into Africa’s biggest street party, attracting millions physically and online. Its audience now spans Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, South Africa, Ghana and more. 

Cultural consultant Joseph Nneji noted that this year’s preparations aim to surpass global expectations.

“Twenty years of the Carnival Calabar is not just a celebration for Cross River State, but for Africa and the world,” – Governor Bassey Otu  

Inviting creatives, investors, governments and tourists to be part of the historic edition. 

What to Expect in the 20th Anniversary Edition 

This year’s festival promises a richer blend of entertainment, culture and global participation. Highlights include: 

• International performances from at least 10 countries 

• Heritage exhibitions showcasing diverse cultural traditions 

• Street parades by renowned bands like Seagull, Passion 4, Bayside and Freedom 

• Concerts, bikers’ parades, fashion shows, film showcases and beauty pageants 

• Global influencer and filmmaker participation to boost visibility 

The expanded programme is designed to improve tourism traffic while creating new income channels for small businesses, artisans, vendors and performers. 

Boosting the Economy Through Tourism Investment 

To ensure long-term benefits, the state government will also host a dedicated investment summit alongside the festival. This summit will connect investors with opportunities in hospitality, transportation, crafts, entertainment and other value chains. The goal is to strengthen local businesses and deepen Nigeria’s presence in the global creative economy. 

Carnival Calabar’s 20th anniversary is more than a celebration — it is a strategic move to rebuild Cross River’s tourism leadership, create jobs, empower creatives and attract global attention. With renewed unity and vision, the state is positioning itself as a cultural and economic powerhouse in Africa.