By Kelvin Obambon
In a decisive move to safeguard its agricultural exports and comply with tightening international trade laws, Cross River State has officially commenced its Cocoa Traceability Programme. The initiative, which includes comprehensive farmer registration and GPS farm mapping, has received unanimous backing from farmers, exporters, and value-chain actors across the state.
The second phase of the stakeholder engagement was held at Hotel 45 in Ikom, bringing together a robust coalition of government officials, traditional leaders, financial institutions, and agricultural associations from the Central Senatorial District. The programme is a strategic response to the emerging European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which mandates verifiable proof that products like cocoa, oil palm, and coffee are not sourced from deforested land.
Speaking at the engagement, Prof. Susan Ohen, Chairman of the Multi-Stakeholder Committee on Cocoa, Coffee, and Oil Palm Development, described the initiative as a “decisive turning point” for the state’s agricultural sector.
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“Today represents more than the launch of a technical exercise; it marks a turning point in the history of our cocoa sector,” Prof. Ohen stated. “If Cross River must retain and expand its access to premium markets, traceability is no longer optional, it is essential.”
The programme serves as a primary pillar of the Seven-Year Cocoa Strategic Development Plan (2025–2032). The ambitious roadmap targets 80 percent traceability and certification compliance for all Cross River cocoa by 2032. Prof. Ohen stressed that the digital database and GPS polygon mapping are designed to create opportunities, allowing farmers to command premium prices while positioning the state as Nigeria’s leading “deforestation-free” origin.
The agricultural community reacted with optimism as Hon. Jones Ekwom, Secretary of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Cross River State Chapter, lauded Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s visionary leadership.
“On behalf of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, we sincerely thank His Excellency for initiating programmes that strengthen the cocoa value chain,” Ekwom said, urging all stakeholders to embrace the pathway to prosperity.
Similarly, Associate Professor Asam Asam of the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria (NACOFTAN) welcomed the renewed focus on coffee. He noted that stable prices and government support offer a “fresh opportunity” for farmers to diversify their income by cultivating coffee alongside cocoa and oil palm.
Representing the export sector, Mr. Godwin Ukwu, National Secretary-General of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), noted that the timing is critical. “The introduction of traceability demonstrates the commitment of the state to ensure our cocoa remains competitive before the EUDR deadline,” he remarked.
Beyond market compliance, the programme promises to solve long-standing hurdles in agricultural financing. Mr. Jesam Iwara, speaking on behalf of the Cross River Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA), explained that the mapping process would make farmers “visible” to the state and financial institutions.
“Many farmers struggle to access loans because they lack proper documentation,” Iwara explained. “With this system, government agencies can help provide the necessary records that will enable farmers to approach financial institutions with greater confidence.”
The engagement concluded with a consensus that the Traceability System marks the beginning of a new era. By integrating technology with traditional farming practices, Cross River State aims to boost rural incomes, protect its rich forestry, and secure its status as a reliable, sustainable source for the global market.
The Multi-Stakeholder Committee, supported by partners such as the PULA Advisory Team and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), will now move forward with the field implementation of farmer registration and farm mapping across the district.
