Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has approved N355.31 million for the construction of a modern Administrative and Laboratory Complex, alongside staff accommodation, for the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) outstation at Creek Town in Odukpani Local Government Area.
The approval was given during the State Executive Council meeting following the consideration of a memorandum presented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Mr Johnson Ebokpo.
The project is aimed at strengthening agricultural research, scientific innovation and technology transfer, while providing the infrastructure needed to maximise Cross River’s potential in oil palm production and other agricultural value chains.
Governor Otu said the investment demonstrated his administration’s commitment to moving agriculture beyond subsistence farming into a modern and technology-driven sector capable of creating jobs, generating wealth and improving food security.
He emphasised that sustainable agricultural development required deliberate investment in research institutions and scientific infrastructure that could provide farmers and agribusinesses with the knowledge and technologies needed to improve productivity.
According to the governor, Cross River could not fully harness its agricultural potential without investing in the science, technology and infrastructure that underpin modern agriculture. He noted that the NIFOR facility would support research into improved and climate resilient oil palm varieties, disease control, specialised nursery development and modern farming techniques.
The project is also in line with the priorities of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, particularly efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural research system, expand field operations and accelerate the transfer of agricultural technologies.
It also supports resolutions of the 47th National Council on Agriculture concerning food security, improved agricultural market systems and the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices.
The State Executive Council noted that Cross River has a strong comparative advantage in oil palm production due to its favourable agro ecological conditions, abundant land resources and growing opportunities for the development of high yielding hybrid seedlings and commercial plantations.
The Creek Town, Odukpani and Calabar agricultural corridor is therefore regarded as strategically positioned to host a major research and innovation centre capable of supporting farmers and investors across Cross River and the wider South South region.
The new NIFOR complex is expected to promote research in oil palm breeding, nursery development, disease management, crop protection and downstream processing technologies. It will also create opportunities for collaboration among research institutions, universities, development partners and private agribusinesses in areas such as mechanisation, climate smart agriculture and locally appropriate disease control measures.
Beyond research, the facility is expected to boost investment across the oil palm value chain through the production and distribution of certified quality seedlings and the provision of technical assistance to farmers and commercial investors.
The intervention is also expected to reduce some of the risks associated with agricultural investment, improve access to scientific expertise and encourage increased private sector participation in plantation development and agro processing.
Governor Otu further stated that the project would support youth employment through agricultural extension services, vocational training and agripreneurship opportunities.
He said the objective was not merely to construct another government facility but to establish an institution capable of generating knowledge, supporting farmers, attracting investors and creating opportunities for young people.
The governor added that the agricultural transformation agenda of his administration must ultimately translate into improved livelihoods and sustainable economic opportunities for the people of Cross River State.
The project is expected to further position Cross River as a leading agricultural investment destination in the South South, strengthen its oil palm value chain, improve food security, create employment and establish a lasting foundation for research driven agricultural development.
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