The Cross River State Tourism Bureau (CRSTB) has assured stakeholders and visitors of the state’s full preparedness for the hosting of the 2025 Carnival Calabar.
The Managing Director of CRSTB, Mr. Ojoi Ekpenyong, gave the assurance in a statement on Monday as the state marked 20 years of sustaining Carnival Calabar as an international cultural brand.
Ekpenyong said the state government had put in place expanded hotel capacity, improved airlift, enhanced security, and upgraded tourism infrastructure ahead of the annual event, widely regarded as Nigeria’s biggest street party.
According to him, Carnival Calabar remains the flagship of the state’s tourism calendar, attracting thousands of local and international tourists every December, with spillover events extending to destinations such as the Obudu Mountain Resort.
“The government and people of Cross River are celebrating 20 years of sustaining an international brand — Carnival Calabar and Festival,” he said.
As part of preparations, Ekpenyong noted that the state had strengthened air connectivity through CallyAir with the acquisition of two new aircraft to ease access to Calabar during the festive period.
He added that about 4,000 hotel rooms had been prepared, while grants were approved to assist hospitality facility owners in upgrading and cleaning their facilities.
The state, he said, had also invested in beautification and urban renewal, including early festive lighting along major roads and the unveiling of one of the tallest Christmas light towers in Nigeria.
“Our roads are wearing new looks with fresh asphalt. There is the introduction of VIP seating for visitors during the carnival, and the opening of a cinema this month at the Calabar Marina Resort,” Ekpenyong said.
He assured tourists of their safety, stressing that security remains a top priority before, during, and after the carnival.
Ekpenyong also noted that Cross River’s version of “Detty December” commenced on Nov. 1 at the Christmas Village and would run across multiple locations in Calabar until the end of the year.
He disclosed that the grand finale of the 2025 Carnival Calabar would take place on Dec. 29.
