The Cross River State Government has pledged its support for the implementation of the Global Project Responsible Land Governance (GP Land), reaffirming its commitment to secure land rights, sustainable land management and inclusive economic development.
The Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, gave the assurance while delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the state government at the official launch of the GP Land project held recently in Abuja.
Ekpang described the initiative as an important opportunity to strengthen land administration systems, promote secure land tenure and advance sustainable land management, particularly for smallholder farmers, rural communities, women and other vulnerable groups whose livelihoods depend on access to land.
He disclosed that the global initiative was being implemented in three African countries, including Nigeria, where five states, among them Cross River, were expected to benefit from its interventions.
“Secure land tenure is fundamental to protecting the interests of our communities, reducing land-related disputes, attracting responsible agricultural investments and creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic development,” the Commissioner stated.
He noted that responsible land governance aligned with the development priorities of Governor Bassey Otu’s People First Administration, particularly its focus on agricultural transformation, environmental protection and improved livelihoods.
According to him, achieving these objectives requires transparent, accountable and inclusive land administration systems that protect community interests while ensuring that land resources are responsibly managed for present and future generations.
“Land governance must be transparent and inclusive, with systems that safeguard the rights of communities while ensuring that our land resources are managed responsibly for the benefit of both present and future generations,” Ekpang said.
The Commissioner welcomed the GP Land initiative and assured its implementing partners of the state government’s readiness to collaborate with relevant institutions and stakeholders to strengthen land tenure security and improve institutional frameworks for effective land administration.
He emphasised that sustained partnerships and collective action would be critical to building a transparent and inclusive land governance system capable of supporting agricultural development, protecting community rights and encouraging responsible investments.
Ekpang expressed confidence that the initiative would improve land administration practices, particularly in rural communities, where secure access to land remains essential for agricultural productivity, economic empowerment and improved livelihoods.
He maintained that Cross River State’s participation in the project reflected the Otu administration’s commitment to responsible land governance as a foundation for sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, investment and long-term socio-economic development.
By Afiong Ndem
