The Cross River State Government has officially launched a statewide traceability programme for cocoa, coffee and oil palm, positioning the state as a leading source of deforestation-free and sustainably produced agricultural commodities in Nigeria.
Governor Bassey Otu flagged off the initiative, which is designed to ensure end-to-end visibility of farm produce from cultivation to export markets. The governor was represented at the event in Calabar by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo.
Digital Framework to Ensure Farm-to-Market Transparency
According to the governor, the traceability system is a structured digital framework that guarantees transparency, accountability and compliance with global agricultural standards.
“This initiative aligns with national agricultural policies, international market requirements, sustainability standards and the European Union Deforestation Regulation,” he stated.
The programme aims to provide verifiable proof that cocoa, coffee and oil palm from Cross River are not linked to deforestation or illegal production — a growing requirement among major importing regions.
Meeting EU Deforestation Regulation, Protecting Exports
With the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), global buyers now demand geolocation data and supply chain traceability before sourcing agricultural commodities.
Governor Otu emphasised that without traceability and geolocation compliance, farmers risk losing access to premium international markets.
He described the initiative as “strategic and necessary to protect livelihoods, sustain export opportunities and secure the future of our agricultural economy.”
The programme is expected to strengthen Cross River’s cocoa export potential while boosting investor confidence in the state’s agricultural sector.
Seven-Year Strategic Plan for Tree Crops
The launch follows the inauguration of a multi-stakeholder committee tasked with developing a seven-year strategic development plan for cocoa and oil palm, alongside a roadmap for coffee production.
The assignment, according to the governor, was driven by the urgent need to revitalise the state’s tree crop sub-sector and reposition it competitively in both national and international markets.
PULA Advisors Backs Landmark Initiative
Country Director and Lead Consultant at PULA Advisors, Mike Enahoro, described the programme as the first of its kind in Nigeria and a landmark achievement for the state government.
He urged residents, development partners and stakeholders to support the initiative, noting that Cross River remains one of Nigeria’s major cocoa-producing hubs.
“Cross River stands out as a major cocoa-producing area. We are proud to partner with the Cross River State Government and look forward to repositioning the cocoa status of the state,” he said.
Geographic Information Agency Commits to Implementation
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Cross River Geographic Information Agency, Williams Archibong, commended Governor Otu’s leadership and assured that all necessary structures are in place to ensure full implementation of the traceability programme.
Why the Cross River Traceability Scheme Matters
Ensures compliance with EU deforestation regulation
Enhances cocoa, coffee and oil palm export opportunities
Provides digital farm-to-market traceability
Protects farmers’ livelihoods and access to premium markets
Positions Cross River as a sustainable agriculture leader in Nigeria
With global trade standards tightening, Cross River’s traceability scheme signals a proactive move to secure its place in the international agricultural value chain while promoting sustainable and deforestation-free production.
