Cross River State has moved to secure its place in the global market for responsibly produced agricultural commodities with the launch of a new policy aimed at protecting forests while expanding farm output and incomes.
The Deforestation Free Policy was unveiled in Calabar by the state government as a response to rising international demand for agricultural products that can be traced to environmentally responsible sources. The initiative signals a shift toward aligning agricultural growth with conservation at a time when global buyers are tightening sustainability requirements.
Governor Bassey Edet Otu, who was represented at the event by his deputy Peter Odey, said the policy sets a clear direction for how the state intends to compete in international markets where environmental standards increasingly determine access.
He described the framework as a practical tool for ensuring that agricultural expansion does not come at the expense of the state’s forests.
Cross River State is home to more than half of Nigeria’s remaining tropical rainforest, a resource the governor said must be protected even as agriculture continues to create jobs, boost food supply and support rural livelihoods.
He noted that new global rules such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation have made transparency and traceability essential for exporters, especially in key crops.
According to the governor, the new policy outlines steps to remove deforestation from priority agricultural value chains while improving productivity and supporting long term economic growth.
He added that environmental protection and competitiveness can no longer be treated as separate goals.
As part of the implementation process, the state has engaged PULA Advisors to support compliance and traceability for cocoa, coffee and oil palm production.
The assignment is expected to improve farm mapping and data management so that products from Cross River meet international standards.
Governor Otu stressed that farmers remain at the heart of the policy.
He said the government plans to promote higher yields on existing farmland through better practices, access to finance and capacity building, while encouraging agroforestry as a way to protect forest cover.
He urged ministries, private investors and farming communities to work together to ensure the policy succeeds.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo described the launch as a major step in reshaping the state’s agricultural economy.
He said the policy offers clear guidance on responsible land use and inclusive growth, but warned that strong cooperation among institutions, businesses and communities would be critical.
Development partner UK Propcom Plus also welcomed the initiative. Its Country Representative and Political Director Dr Adiya Ode, speaking through Strategy Director Dr Olumide Ojo, said the policy demonstrates how environmental protection can be linked to economic opportunity.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the UK government to supporting investments that strengthen resilience and climate adaptation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Dr Ojo said Cross River’s rich biodiversity gives it a unique advantage that can be harnessed through sustainable land use.
He added that connecting forest conservation with economic incentives could encourage reforestation and land restoration, while climate smart agriculture opens new livelihood options for farmers across the state.
