From Ekpo Duke, Calabar
Cross River State Governor , Senator Bassey Otu, has called on the Kingdom of the Netherlands to invest in the state’s agricultural sector, particularly in oil palm processing and technology transfer, as part of a broader push to transform the state’s economy while preserving its rich biodiversity.
Governor Otu made this call during a courtesy visit by the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Michel Deelen, and his delegation at the Government House in Calabar in a statement made available to AljazirahNigeria yesyerday.
The Governor described the visit as a step toward deepening bilateral relations and establishing mutually beneficial partnerships.
Our state is abundantly endowed with arable land and a favourable climate that supports year-round agriculture”, Governor Otu said.
Agriculture is our best foot forward in recalibrating our economy, and our policies are tailored to support both smallholder and large-scale farmers”.
He outlined several reforms undertaken by his administration in the agriculture sector, including a seven-year strategic cocoa and coffee development plan, the creation of six new cocoa estates, and the rollout of free agronomic training and processing hubs across key agricultural zones.
A key highlight of his address was the Legacy Assets Reclamation Policy, under which the state government recovered 8,500 hectares of previously mismanaged oil palm estates and transferred them to Wilmar Industries Ltd for rehabilitation and productive use.
“We welcome direct Dutch investments across the value chain of our oil palm industry”, Otu stated. “Cross River is not only a secure and investor-friendly state but also offers high returns on investment.
“With our advanced digital soil mapping and survey database, potential investors can remotely identify the most suitable farmlands based on soil type and location”.
The Governor also emphasized the importance of sustainable development and forest conservation, pledging the state’s commitment to working only with responsible investors.
“Above all, we are hospitable people”, he said. “Our doors are open to credible investors who are ready to make informed, ethical, and profitable investment choices in Cross River State”.
In his remarks, Consul General, Michel Deelen lauded the governor’s leadership and expressed admiration for the natural beauty and cleanliness of Calabar, describing Cross River as “one of the most beautiful states” in Nigeria.
“We are impressed with the governor’s strong position against illegal logging”, Deelen said. “Illegal logging benefits no one but a few individuals, and we support your firm stance.
“However, we must also support communities and smallholder farmers who wish to expand production. That is why we are here to assist in increasing yield without expanding farmland”.
Deelen emphasized the Netherlands’ commitment to sustainable palm oil production through the use of improved seedlings, modern milling technology, and partnerships that protect forests while increasing farmers’ incomes.
“We’re not here to tell you not to cut down trees”, he clarified. “We understand the historical context. But we must all work together to preserve natural habitats for the common good. Our goal is not to impose restrictions but to collaborate on solutions that protect biodiversity while promoting inclusive growth”.
The visit by the Dutch delegation comes as part of growing international interest in Cross River State’s unique ecological assets, particularly its rainforests, which are among the last remaining tropical rainforests in West Africa.
“The state has been at the center of global conservation efforts and climate-focused development partnerships.
Governor Otu reaffirmed that Cross River is ready to serve as a model for integrating sustainable agriculture with forest preservation, adding, “We are charting a new course where investment, innovation, and environmental responsibility go hand in hand”.
