Nigeria’s Cross River unveils 2025–2032 strategic plan to boost cocoa, coffee and oil palm sectors 

NIGERIA – The Cross River State Government has launched a comprehensive Seven-year Strategic Development Plan (2025–2032) aimed at transforming its cocoa, coffee, and oil palm sectors.  

The plan was officially unveiled at the Cocoa and Coffee Investors Roundtable, organized to promote value addition and sustainable agricultural practices. 

Developed by the state’s Multi-Stakeholder Committee on Strategic Plan Development, the roadmap envisions Cross River as a sustainable, traceable, and globally competitive hub for agricultural exports.  

The strategy aligns with international quality and accountability standards to attract investment and ensure long-term growth. 

Commissioner for Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo, highlighted the state’s shift from raw commodity exports to value-added processing and product branding. “We are transitioning from production to processing; from exporting raw materials to creating premium products and jobs right here at home,” Ebokpo stated during the event.  

He emphasized a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as central to achieving the plan’s objectives. 

As part of the strategy, Cross River will establish six new cocoa estates and pilot the cultivation of both Arabica and Robusta coffee in ecologically suitable areas. The move is expected to enhance crop yields, improve quality, and strengthen local capacity for processing and export. 

The Country Director of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) for Ghana and Nigeria, Dr. Coffie Mawuli, spoke on the need for sustainable cultivation practices.  

He introduced a deforestation-free cocoa initiative aimed at protecting Nigeria’s natural resources while advancing the cocoa sector.  

Mawuli identified key investment areas, including local processing, traceability systems, digital technology platforms, ecosystem services, and the carbon market. 

Hassan Usman, President of the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria (NACOFTAN) praised the plan’s potential economic impact. He noted that coffee yields in the region could reach 3.5 tons per hectare during full harvest, with current market prices at around N9 million per ton. 

The strategic development plan is positioned to strengthen Cross River’s agricultural base by leveraging innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.  

With support from stakeholders, the initiative aims to diversify the economy, generate employment, and boost Nigeria’s position in global agricultural trade. 

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.