The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has flagged off a statewide traceability programme for cocoa, coffee and oil palm.
Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo, disclosed that the traceability system is a structured digital framework designed to ensure end-to-end visibility of agricultural commodities from farm to market.
Speaking on Saturday in Calabar, Otu explained that the initiative aligns with national agricultural policies, international market requirements, sustainability standards and the European Union Deforestation Regulation.
He said:
“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.”
Otu added that the programme positions Cross River State as a credible source of deforestation-free and sustainably produced commodities. He also commended various partners for their efforts, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration.
“Let me sincerely appreciate our partners, stakeholders and members of the press for honouring our invitation. As government, we recognise our responsibility to communicate our policies, programmes and reforms transparently to the public.
“The media, as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, remains a critical partner in informing citizens, shaping constructive discourse and strengthening accountability. We deeply value your role,” he added.
It could be recalled that a multi-stakeholder committee on cocoa, coffee and oil palm was inaugurated and mandated to develop a seven-year strategic development plan for cocoa and oil palm, as well as a roadmap for coffee.
He said:
“This assignment was borne out of the urgent need to revitalise our tree crop sub-sector and reposition it competitively in both national and international markets.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the commencement of the Cross River statewide traceability programme for cocoa, coffee and oil palm.”
He further stated that the global market landscape is evolving rapidly, stressing that major importing regions now require verifiable proof that agricultural commodities are not linked to deforestation or illegal production.
He emphasised that without traceability and geolocation compliance, farmers risk losing access to premium international markets, explaining that the programme is therefore “strategic and necessary to protect livelihoods, sustain export opportunities and secure the future of our agricultural economy.”
In his remarks, Country Director and Lead Consultant of PULA Advisors, Mike Enahoro, called on residents, development partners and other collaborating agencies to support the state government in achieving the programme’s objectives.
He added that the programme is the first of its kind in Nigeria, describing it as a landmark achievement for the Cross River State Government.
He commended Governor Bassey Otu for embracing the initiative, emphasising that the state stands out in the cocoa-producing sector.
“Cross River stands out as a major cocoa-producing area. We are very happy and proud to partner with the Cross River State Government. It is a pleasure to partner, and we look forward to more collaboration to reposition the cocoa status of Cross River,” Enahoro remarked.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Cross River Geographic Information Agency, Williams Archibong, applauded Governor Otu, describing him as a visionary leader and adding that all hands are on deck to ensure full implementation of the programme’s objectives.
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