Cross River Partners Dubai Firm to Boost Agriculture

News in brief:

-Cross River State Government has allocated 10 hectares of land for an agricultural centre of excellence in partnership with Export Trading Group.

-The project will include a urea production plant, fertiliser blending facility, and training centre for agricultural professionals.

The Cross River State Government has approved 10 hectares of land for the establishment of an Agricultural Centre of Excellence in partnership with Dubai-based Export Trading Group (ETG). This initiative forms part of the state’s strategy to transform its agricultural sector and expand industrial capacity.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, disclosed the plan during a working visit by an ETG delegation to his office in Calabar.

He said the project, which has received the approval of Bassey Otu, will be implemented in phases.

According to him, the development will include a urea production plant and a fertiliser blending facility, powered by the state's existing gas infrastructure.

Initiative Aims to Attract Youth into Agriculture

Ebokpo explained that the project was designed to address declining interest in agriculture among young people and reposition the sector for long-term sustainability.

The proposed site, located on the Adiabo axis, was selected for its proximity to key logistics infrastructure, including the seaport and airport, which will support distribution and export activities.

The commissioner said the centre will function as a training hub for agricultural extension workers, policymakers and students. Beneficiaries are expected to include students from the University of Calabar, University of Cross River State and the state’s newly approved College of Agriculture.

He added that disruptions in global urea supply present an opportunity for Cross River to position itself as a key fertiliser producer by leveraging its gas resources.

ETG Commits to Sustainable Agricultural System

Leader of the ETG delegation, Ogu Goodluck, said the company selected Cross River for the project following engagements with both state and federal authorities.

He noted that the group, which operates in more than 40 countries, is seeking to develop a sustainable agricultural ecosystem in partnership with the state government.

“We are here to work with the government to create value and impact lives through sustainable agricultural input production,” he said.

Also speaking, Director of Project Grow Cross River, Dennis Ipali, described the partnership as a transformative initiative that would benefit farmers and strengthen agricultural productivity in the state.

He disclosed that the state’s Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and the Office of the Surveyor-General, is currently conducting land inspection processes ahead of the formal handover of the project site.