The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has flagged off a statewide traceability programme for cocoa, coffee and oil palm, aimed at ensuring transparency and compliance with international market standards.
Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo, disclosed this on Saturday in Calabar, describing the traceability system as a structured digital framework designed to ensure end-to-end visibility of agricultural commodities from farm to market.
He said the initiative aligns with national agricultural policies, international market requirements, sustainability standards and the European Union Deforestation Regulation.
According to the governor, the programme positions Cross River as a credible source of deforestation-free and sustainably produced commodities, adding that it is critical to safeguarding export opportunities for farmers in the state.
“This initiative aligns with national agricultural policies, international market requirements, sustainability standards and the European Union Deforestation Regulation. It is a structured digital framework designed to ensure end-to-end visibility of agricultural commodities from farm to market,” he said.
Otu stressed that the global agricultural market landscape is evolving rapidly, with major importing regions now requiring verifiable proof that commodities are not linked to deforestation or illegal production.
He warned that without traceability and geolocation compliance, farmers risk losing access to premium international markets, noting that the programme is strategic and necessary to protect livelihoods and secure the future of the state’s agricultural economy.
The governor also appreciated partners, stakeholders and members of the press for their support, describing the media as a critical partner in promoting accountability and constructive public discourse.
It will be recalled that the state government had earlier inaugurated a multi-stakeholder committee on cocoa, coffee and oil palm, mandating it to develop a seven-year strategic development plan for cocoa and oil palm, as well as a roadmap for coffee production.
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Otu said the move was driven by the need to revitalise the tree crop sub-sector and reposition it competitively in both national and international markets.
In his remarks, the Country Director and Lead Consultant of PULA Advisors, Mike Enahoro, described the programme as the first of its kind in Nigeria and a landmark achievement for the state government.
He commended Otu for embracing the initiative, noting that Cross River remains a major cocoa-producing area in the country.
“We are very happy and proud to partner with the Cross River State Government. We look forward to more collaboration to reposition the cocoa status of Cross River,” Enahoro said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Cross River Geographic Information Agency, Williams Archibong, applauded the governor for what he described as visionary leadership, assuring that the agency would ensure full implementation of the programme’s objectives.