By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has approved ₦355.31 million for the construction of a modern administrative and laboratory complex, with staff accommodation, for the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, outstation at Creek Town in Odukpani local government area.
The approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting on the strength of a memo presented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Mr. Johnson Ebokpo.
According to the governor, the facility is intended to strengthen agricultural research, drive innovation and technology transfer, and unlock the state’s potential in oil palm production and other value chains.
“Cross River cannot fully realise its agricultural potential without investing in the science, technology and infrastructure that drive modern agriculture,” Otu said.
He added that the intervention reflects his administration’s push to move agriculture from subsistence to a technology-driven sector that creates wealth, jobs and food security.
The NIFOR complex will focus on research into improved, climate-resilient oil palm varieties, disease management, specialised nurseries and modern agronomic practices to raise productivity.
The project aligns with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s agenda to strengthen the country’s agricultural research system and expand the spread of technology.
It also supports resolutions of the 47th National Council on Agriculture on food security, market development and climate-smart practices.
Officials noted that Cross River has a comparative advantage in oil palm production due to favourable agro-ecological conditions, vast land and potential for hybrid seedling development.
The Creek Town–Odukpani–Calabar corridor is therefore considered ideal for a regional research and innovation hub serving the South-South.
Beyond research, the complex will provide a platform for collaboration among research institutes, universities, development partners and private agribusinesses on mechanisation, climate-smart farming and crop protection.
It is also expected to boost investment across the oil palm value chain by supporting the production and distribution of certified seedlings and offering technical support to farmers and investors.
Otu said the facility would have a strong youth component through extension services, vocational training and agripreneurship programmes.
“Our objective is not simply to construct another government facility. We are building an institution that will generate knowledge, support farmers, attract investors and create opportunities for our young people,” he said.
