Bassey Otu, the governor of Cross River State, has launched a nationwide oil palm, coffee, and cocoa traceability initiative.

At the gathering on Saturday in Calabar, Otu was represented by Johnson Ebokpo, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development.

The traceability system, according to the commissioner, is a structured digital architecture created to guarantee complete visibility of agricultural products from the farm to the marketplace.

According to Otu, the project complies with international market demands, sustainability guidelines, national agriculture regulations, and the EU Deforestation Regulation.

"National agricultural policies, international market requirements, sustainability standards, and the European Union Deforestation Regulation are all in line with this initiative," he stated. It is a well-organised digital infrastructure made to guarantee complete visibility of agricultural products from the farm to the marketplace.

According to Otu, the initiative establishes Cross River State as a reliable supplier of goods made sustainably and without deforestation.

He also highlighted the value of ongoing cooperation and praised a number of partners for their efforts.

"I want to express my profound gratitude to our partners, stakeholders, and media representatives for accepting our invitation. As a government, we acknowledge that it is our duty to openly and honestly inform the public of our policies, initiatives, and reforms.

As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the media continues to play a vital role in educating the public, fostering productive dialogue, and enhancing accountability. We appreciate your role very much," he continued.

Recall that a multi-stakeholder committee on oil palm, coffee, and cocoa was established with the task of creating a roadmap for coffee and a seven-year strategic development plan for oil palm and cocoa.

"The urgent need to revitalise our tree crop sub-sector and reposition it competitively in both national and international markets gave rise to this assignment," he said.

"It gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone to the launch of the Cross River statewide oil palm, coffee, and cocoa traceability program."

Otu 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.

He explained 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 went on to say that the initiative is the first of its type in Nigeria and that the Cross River State Government has achieved a historic milestone.

He emphasised that the state is unique in the cocoa-producing industry and praised Governor Bassey for supporting the project.

One notable location for the production of cocoa is Cross River. Our partnership with the CRS Government brings us great joy and pride. It is a delight to work together, and we anticipate further cooperation to improve Cross River's cocoa standing," Enahoro said.

Williams Archibong, the director general of the Cross River Geographic Information Agency, also spoke and praised Governor Otu, calling him a visionary leader and said that everyone is working together to fully execute the program's goals.