By Our Reporter
As part of efforts to reposition Cross River State as a major player in global agricultural exports, Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu has received the revised Produce Law Report alongside a comprehensive 7-year Strategic Development Plan for Cocoa, Oil Palm, and Coffee.
The presentation—developed by the Multi-Stakeholder Committee on Strategic Plan Development—outlines a transformative roadmap to establish Cross River as a global hub for sustainable, traceable agro-production.
Commending the committee for its dedication and professionalism, Governor Otu described the submission as a vital step toward the economic revitalization of the state.
“I am impressed by the depth and clarity of this plan. You have worked tirelessly to deliver on your mandate, and your efforts are highly commendable,” the Governor remarked.
“Our administration has always believed that sustainable economic transformation must be anchored in a revitalized, profitable, and globally competitive agricultural sector. Today’s presentation serves as a blueprint for realizing that vision.”
The strategic plan envisions Cross River’s emergence as a global leader in sustainable cocoa, coffee, and oil palm production, with a strong focus on traceability, certification, and export readiness.
To ensure immediate follow-through, Governor Otu announced several actionable steps, including the development of a detailed implementation roadmap within six weeks. He further disclosed that the revised Produce Inspection Services Bill will be fast-tracked through the State House of Assembly to provide necessary legislative backing, while the Produce Inspection Board will be constituted within three months.
Additionally, a dedicated Cash Crop Development Agency is to be established and made operational within four months to drive implementation and coordination efforts. The Governor also revealed that by July 2025, the state will commence active engagement with investors and stakeholders toward the launch of new agricultural estates.
Governor Otu expressed gratitude to development partners—including the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, FAO-FOLUR, Lutheran World Relief (TRACE Project), and Propcom+—for their technical support and contributions to the strategic plan.
“Together, let us build a Cross River that feeds, employs, exports, and thrives—beginning with the soil beneath our feet,” the Governor concluded.
Chairperson of the Strategic Committee, Prof. Susan Ohen, highlighted that the roadmap was carefully designed to meet both domestic needs and international export standards.
“We have ensured that traceability and certification benchmarks are embedded in the plan to position our produce for global competitiveness. Over 45 experts contributed to this document, and we committed our best efforts to the growth of Cross River State,” she stated.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Johnson Ekpobo, praised the plan’s capacity to completely transform the state’s agricultural landscape, while Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. (Mrs.) Abigail Duke, disclosed that the concept for the roadmap originated during a brainstorming session in the Ministry of Commerce aimed at identifying new economic drivers.
“This presentation is the realization of a long-cherished dream,” she noted.
Also speaking at the event, Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo, a former member of the House of Representatives, urged the Governor to ensure full implementation of the plan without bureaucratic delays.
“This roadmap must be owned and actively executed to deliver tangible results,” he emphasized.
With the unveiling of this strategic roadmap, Cross River State takes a bold step toward becoming a national and global leader in agro-industrial development.
