Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s focus on agriculture and environmental sustainability, calling on the Kingdom of the Netherlands to invest in the state’s growing oil palm industry and technology development.
Otu made the appeal during a courtesy visit from the Dutch Consul General, Michel Deelen, and his team.
He described the engagement as a major step toward stronger bilateral ties and productive collaborations.
“Our state is abundantly endowed with arable land and a favourable climate that supports year-round agriculture. Agriculture is our best foot forward in recalibrating our economy, and our policies are tailored to support both smallholder and large-scale farmers,” Otu said.
The governor highlighted several ongoing reforms in the sector, including a seven-year cocoa and coffee development plan, six new cocoa estates, and free agronomic training and processing hubs in key locations.
One of the key highlights of his remarks was the Legacy Assets Reclamation Policy, under which the state recovered 8,500 hectares of underutilised oil palm estates and transferred them to Wilmar Industries Ltd for rehabilitation and productive use.
Otu invited the Dutch government and private investors to explore business opportunities in the oil palm value chain.
“We welcome direct Dutch investments across the value chain of our oil palm industry. Cross River is not only a secure and investor-friendly state but also offers high returns on investment,” he stated.
He also showcased the state’s Digital Soil Mapping and Survey Database, which allows investors to assess farmland suitability remotely based on soil type and location.
Otu reiterated the state’s readiness for responsible foreign investment and pledged full support for partners aligned with Cross River’s green, inclusive development goal.
“Above all, we are a hospitable people. Our doors are open to credible investors who are ready to make informed, ethical, and profitable investment choices in Cross River State,” he concluded.
Responding to the governor, Deelen praised Cross River’s lush environment and its governor’s firm stance on forest protection.
“Illegal logging benefits no one but a few individuals, and we support your firm position against it,” he said.
He described Calabar as clean and green and noted the importance of working with farmers to expand production sustainably.
“That is why we are here to assist in increasing yield without expanding farmland,” he added.
Deelen highlighted the Netherlands’ focus on sustainable palm oil production, noting their interest in improved seedlings, milling technology, and partnerships that conserve forests while raising incomes for local farmers.
“We’re not here to tell you not to cut down trees. We understand the historical context. But we must all work together to preserve natural habitats for the common good,” he said.
The Dutch visit aligns with wider efforts to support sustainable agriculture and forest conservation in Cross River, which hosts one of West Africa’s last surviving tropical rainforests.
The state continues attracting international interest as a critical area for preserving biodiversity and green economic development.
