By Our Reporter
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Government has officially launched its Deforestation-Free Policy on Cocoa and Oil Palm, developed with the support of the UK Government-funded Propcom+ programme. The policy was unveiled on Wednesday at the Government House, Calabar.
Speaking at the launch, Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, described the policy as a clear statement of intent by the state government to grow, compete, and lead in a rapidly changing global agricultural economy.
Dr Odey emphasised that the policy adopts a people-centred approach, stating: “This deforestation-free policy places people at its core. It prioritises smallholder farmers through yield intensification, agroforestry, access to finance, capacity building, and diversified livelihood opportunities.”
He further noted that, “As custodians of more than half of Nigeria’s remaining tropical high forests, we bear both a privilege and a responsibility to protect these resources while ensuring that agriculture continues to deliver jobs, income, and food security.” While commending the Commissioner for Agriculture and the Multi-Stakeholder Committee for their diligence, the Governor called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the private sector, communities, and development partners to align their efforts to position the state for climate finance and competitive global markets. “Together, let us move from policy to practice, from compliance to competitiveness, and from ambition to measurable impact,” he concluded.
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Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo II, explained that the Deforestation-Free Policy Implementation Strategy (2025–2031) provides a comprehensive framework for transitioning cocoa and oil palm production towards sustainability. He noted that the strategy seeks to protect forests, conserve biodiversity, and improve farmers’ incomes, in line with Governor Otu’s People First agenda.
Also speaking at the formal presentation, the Country Representative and Political Director of Propcom+, Dr Adiya Ode, represented by the Strategy Director, Dr Olumide Ojo, described the policy as a model of collaboration that advances both environmental protection and economic opportunity. He reaffirmed the UK Government’s commitment, through Propcom+, to boosting agricultural investment, resilience, and climate adaptation.
“Cross River State has long been recognised as one of the world’s leading biodiversity hotspots,” Dr Ojo stated. “By linking forest protection to economic incentives for farmers, we can drive intensive reforestation and land restoration, while climate-smart agricultural practices generate new and alternative livelihoods.”
The Deforestation-Free Policy on Cocoa and Oil Palm targets zero deforestation across priority value chains such as cocoa, coffee, and oil palm, in response to global standards including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Key components of the policy include yield intensification, agroforestry for smallholder farmers, the deployment of PULA Advisors to support EUDR compliance and traceability, and strengthened cross-sector collaboration.
A highlight of the event was the formal presentation of the policy and its implementation strategy documents to the Deputy Governor. The presentation was witnessed by the Senior Intervention Officer at Propcom+, Mr Habibulahi Ibrahim, Senior Special Adviser on Agriculture, Prof. John Shiyam, Chairman of the Multi-Stakeholder Committee, Prof. Susanna Ohen, Project Grow Director, Mr Dennis Ikpali, among others.
