Cross River govt embarks on EU project for cocoa, coffee, oil palm value chains

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

The Cross River State Government has concluded arrangements to lead the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Compliance and Traceability Exercise for cocoa, coffee, and oil palm value chains.

The initiative, in partnership with Pula Advisors, aims at modernising the state’s agricultural sector, strengthening data-driven decision-making, and ensuring global competitiveness.

“This project represents one of the most ambitious traceability exercises ever undertaken in Cross River State,” said Professor Susan Ohen, Chairperson of the State Multistakeholder Committee.

The handlers, in a statement made available in Abuja, also disclosed that the project will map and verify approximately 80,000 farms statewide, providing reliable traceability and georeferenced farm boundaries.

“This will enable policymakers to assess environmental risks, plan sustainable land use, and strengthen climate resilience across the three value chains,” the handlers noted.

In his comments on the project, Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu noted, “By investing in digital infrastructure, robust traceability systems, and real-time risk assessment, the state is protecting its producers’ access to the EU market and positioning itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.”

The initiative is expected to deliver far-reaching benefits for the state, including enhanced transparency across the supply chain and greater collaboration among farmers, exporters, communities, and regulators.

Pula Advisors’ Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Michael Enahoro, expressed the organisation’s commitment to delivering a world-class traceability system, saying, “We are honoured to bring our experience, technology, and global best practices to support this vision.”