CISLAC Advocates Economic Integration Of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged for economic integration among the South South States of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers to unlock the economic potential and prosperity of the Niger Delta region. The Executive Director of CISLAC, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim, emphasized the need for cooperation through stakeholder engagement workshops in Calabar.

He highlighted the benefits of trade facilitation, agricultural value chain development, and policy engagement to ease business tax levy harmonization. Ibrahim noted that the three states share deep ties and complement each other's economic strengths, but are hindered by fragmented and predatory tax levy systems at state borders.

Stakeholders, including the Chairman of Finance and Appropriation in Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, emphasized the importance of regional economic cooperation to remove obstacles and pave the way for economic growth and a better standard of living in the region.