Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has received a comprehensive 7-year strategic development plan designed to enhance the production and export of cocoa, coffee, and oil palm.

The plan, developed by the state’s Multi-Stakeholder Committee on Strategic Plan Development, was presented alongside a revised Produce Law Report.

The roadmap outlines a vision for the state to become a sustainable, traceable, and globally competitive hub for agricultural exports, aligning with international standards for quality and accountability.

At the presentation in Calabar, the governor described the plan as a vital tool for economic revitalization and emphasised the administration’s focus on agricultural transformation as a key driver of sustainable growth.

The strategy prioritizes traceability, certification, and sustainability across all target crops to improve access to premium global markets. In line with this, the governor announced that an actionable implementation roadmap would be developed within six weeks.

He also committed to accelerating the passage of the Revised Produce Inspection Services Bill through the State House of Assembly and pledged to inaugurate a Produce Inspection Board within three months.

In addition, a dedicated Cash Crop Development Agency will be established and operational within four months to coordinate implementation efforts. The state aims to begin investor engagement and prepare for the rollout of new agricultural estates by July 2025.

Otu expressed appreciation 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 collaboration.

Chairperson of the Strategic Committee, Prof. Susan Ohen, said the roadmap was the product of collaboration among more than 45 experts, ensuring alignment with local priorities and international standards.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Johnson Ekpobo, highlighted the transformative potential of the plan, while Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. (Mrs.) Abigail Duke, noted that the initiative emerged from internal efforts to diversify the state’s economic base.

Also in attendance, former House of Representatives member, Daniel Asuquo, urged the government to ensure effective and timely implementation, describing the initiative as a step toward making Cross River a major player in the global cocoa, coffee, and oil palm markets.